Peel police have arrested a Mississauga woman for an alleged fraud that occurred over a two-and-half-year period.
The victim, a senior adult who required additional support, hired the suspect as a home support worker to assist him with cooking and cleaning at his residence. Police say that between July 2019 and November 2022, the suspect accessed the victim’s finances. Using the victim’s cheques and credit card purchases, the suspect fraudulently obtained cash and goods valued at approximately $83,682.
“The suspect also attempted to change the victim’s powers of attorney to list herself as a beneficiary,” police said in a news release.
The victim’s family was alerted and contacted Peel police.
Feroza Hotaki, a 44-year-old resident of Mississauga, has been charged with numerous offences including fraud, unauthorized use of credit card data and identity fraud.
She was released on conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Friday, August 4.
Police said it is crucial to do a background check (including a criminal record check) when hiring a home support worker. One should also check and verify their skills, qualifications and references.
Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-3311, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
