Montreal Suspect Sought in Sophisticated Toronto Credit Card Fraud Operation
Toronto Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding a 20-year-old Montreal man wanted in connection with an elaborate credit card fraud scheme that targeted Toronto residents last fall. Madjid Benmaou faces multiple charges after allegedly posing as a bank employee to deceive victims into surrendering their credit cards, which were then used to make fraudulent jewelry purchases totaling thousands of dollars.
Details of the Alleged Scam Operation
According to police statements released on Thursday, the first reported incident occurred on October 1, 2025. A victim received a call from someone claiming to be a bank employee who informed them that their credit card had been compromised. The caller arranged for a courier to collect the credit card from the victim's residence in the Cosburn and Pape Avenues area.
Police allege that an individual then obtained the credit card from the courier and proceeded to a jewelry store in Mississauga, where they made purchases worth approximately $11,000.
Second Victim Targeted with Identical Method
Just two days later, on October 3, 2025, a second victim fell prey to what appears to be the same fraudulent scheme. This individual also received a call from someone impersonating a bank employee, who similarly claimed their credit card had been compromised.
The caller again arranged for a courier to collect the credit card, this time from the victim's address in the area of The East Mall and Evans Avenue. The card was then allegedly used to make purchases totaling $14,000 at another Mississauga jewelry store.
Suspect Identification and Charges
Through their investigation, Toronto Police identified Madjid Benmaou, 20, of Montreal, as the primary suspect in these incidents. Benmaou is wanted on numerous charges including:
- Two counts of false pretences
- Four counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Three counts of possession/use of credit card obtained by offence
- Three counts of unauthorized use of credit card data
- Fraud over $5,000
- Two counts of fraud under $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Police Concern About Additional Victims
Investigators have expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. They have released images of the wanted man in hopes that members of the public might recognize him and provide information about his whereabouts.
The suspect is described as having a large build, black hair, and dark brown eyes. He is known to have ties to both Quebec and Mississauga and is believed to be linked to a black Dodge pickup truck with Quebec license plate marker AKJ52Z.
Public Appeal for Information
Toronto Police are urging anyone with information regarding Madjid Benmaou's whereabouts to contact them directly at 416-808-5500. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of sophisticated financial fraud schemes targeting Canadian consumers and underscores the importance of vigilance when receiving unsolicited communications regarding financial accounts.
