A Whitby auto fraud investigation has resulted in five charges after police say a vehicle-financing application was submitted using another person’s identity.
Durham Regional Police Service said the online application was made on September 30 for a 2027 Mercedes SUV at a dealership in Durham. A local report identified the dealership as being in Whitby.
According to police, the application included images of identification documents. A Canadian passport displayed the applicant’s photograph but identified the victim as the holder.
Victim learned about the purchase
The financing application was approved through a financial institution. Before the vehicle was released, however, the victim was notified about the purchase and reported the matter to both police and the dealership as identity fraud.
Police said a woman was taken into custody without incident on October 8 when she attended the dealership to complete the transaction and collect the SUV.
Charges have not been proven in court
A 39-year-old Brampton woman faces one count each of fraud over $5,000, uttering a forged document, personation, possession of an identity document and possession of cocaine. Police said she was released on an undertaking.
The allegations have not been tested in court. Anyone with information can contact the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit or provide an anonymous tip through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
Sources
- Durham Regional Police Service release, published October 13, 2026.
- Durham Radio News report, published October 13, 2026 at 3:09 p.m. EDT.
