TORONTO POLICE CRUISER Credits: CHRIS DOUCETTE/TORONTO SUN
TORONTO – Toronto Police are investigating after more than $1 million in claims were made by drivers who say they were sold fake vehicle insurance.
Police say the suspect used the names of insurance companies to sell the fraudulent pink slips, but isn’t a licensed broker or affiliated with any insurance firm.
“If someone offers to sell you insurance in a doughnut shop rather than in an office, a red flag should go up and you should walk away from the deal,” said Rick Dubin, of the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Police were made aware of the scam several months ago after a routine traffic stop, said Det. Robert Ermacora.
Police executed three search warrants in North York and Etobicoke area.
“A significant number of victims continue to operate their motor vehicles under the belief that they are insured when they are not,” Ermacora said.
Alexandr Chertin, 73, of Toronto has been charged with two counts of defrauding the public over $5,000, two counts of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of uttering a forged document.
He has been released from custody of $7,500 bail and is scheduled to appear at Old City Hall on Nov. 25.