Calgary man accused of using moving company to defraud multiple victims
Following a four-month investigation, the Calgary Police Service has charged a man in connection with multiple frauds originating from the greater Calgary area.
Between April 1, 2013 and Nov. 20, 2013, a man used his moving company operating under the names SIA Transportation, Steven’s Inc. and Anderson International, to allegedly conduct fraudulent behaviour including defrauding people and businesses across Canada and failing to pay for goods and services.
The man, originally from Ontario, is accused of using his moving companies to collect the personal belongings of his customers, holding them ransom in order to demand additional funds. In some instances, it is alleged he failed to deliver his customer’s belongings, keeping them for his personal use instead.
Over this same time period, police believe he knowingly paid for goods and services with NSF cheques and failed to provide payments for them.
In November 2013, police received a call from an employee of SIA Transportation, who had concerns regarding the practices of his employer. An investigation led by North District resulted in the identification of 10 victims from within Calgary and other Canadian cities.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, the Calgary Police Service, in partnership with Airdrie RCMP, executed search warrants at various properties that led to the recovery of multiple items believed to be obtained through fraudulent activities.
Steven BLONDIN, also known as Steven ANDERSON, 46, of Calgary has been charged with:
- five counts of fraud under $5,000
- one count of theft over $5,000
- three counts of false pretence over $5,000
- one count of false pretence under $5,000
Anyone who may have information about these incidents is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Investigators encourage anyone who is a victim of fraud to contact police.
The Calgary Police Service also encourages Calgarians to remember the following when hiring a mover.
Reputable companies will use these common practices:
- Send an employee to conduct a cost estimate for the move, which includes an inventory of your belongings.
- Provide you with a signed, completed contract in advance of your moving date which includes all fees and costs.
- Are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers.
- Are free of poor reviews/complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
- Commonly own and operate their own fleet of moving trucks.
In order to protect yourself from moving fraud and or theft, do your homework:
- Do not be easily swayed by websites or advertisements.
- Take the time to shop around and learn about the companies that you are interested in using – check online with the Canadian Association of Movers and the Better Business Bureau.
- Pay attention to the fine print of all documents before signing – look for hidden fees.
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