Saturday, July 5, 2014

Friday, August 30, 2013

Grandparent Scam - Pure Scum

http://www.mississauga.com/news-story/4052884-fraudster-convicted-of-massive-grandparent-scam-/
 

Fraudster convicted of massive 'grandparent scam'

Mississauga News

BRAMPTON — A Toronto man has been found guilty of masterminding a giant   telephone fraud that targets seniors after elderly residents in Mississauga and across North America were bilked of more than $250,000.

Peel Regional Police's Fraud Bureau calls it one of the biggest "grandparent scams" detectives have ever seen.

Johnnathan Hunter, 43, was found guilty by Justice John Sproat today of two counts of defrauding the public, along with possession of stolen property and breach of recognizance. Under the Criminal Code, he faces 14 years in jail and will be back in court Sept. 23 for sentencing. Hunter remains in custody.

Following a joint investigation by Peel and Toronto police, Hunter was arrested in connection with the scam. Investigators say more than 100 elderly people in Peel and across Canada and the U.S. fell victim to the scam and were swindled out of more than $250,000.

Police, who launched their probe in late 2009 and arrested Hunter in October 2010, say victims received a phone call from an individual claiming to be their grandchild. The person tells the victim they are in trouble and require immediate financial assistance. They impress upon the victim that it's an urgent matter, and that they don't want other family members to be made aware. They then request money from the victim and give clear instructions on how to send the cash.

In this scam, Hunter used different scenarios to sell his case to victims, court heard. On several occasions, he said he had a car accident out of province, or out of country. He then requested a sum of money immediately to resolve the situation.

In another case, he claimed he was in another country, out of money and in need of financial assistance to get home.

Hunter initially faced 39 charges, but police and Crown prosecutor Mike Morris "streamlined" the charges into two counts of defrauding the public.

Some victims were flown in to tell their story in Brampton court, while others appeared via video link. Some, police say, were too frail to even testify.

While awaiting trial on the fraud charges, Hunter was charged and convicted of attempting to obstruct justice and counselling to commit perjury after officers learned he arranged for a surety who was a complete stranger, and whom he had recruited for the sole purpose of being granted bail. He was sentenced to one year in jail for that incident.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Climate change, carbon emissions lowering the world's GDP $1.2 trillion a year

http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/news/climate-change-carbon-emissions-lowering-the-worlds-gdp-1-2-trillion-a-year/1001727190/
 

Climate change, carbon emissions lowering the world's GDP $1.2 trillion a year

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2012-09-27

Climate change and effects from carbon emissions are costing the world 1.6% of its annual gross domestic product, or about $1.2 trillion, a new report suggests.
That will double to 3.2% by 2030 if the world fails to act on climate change, says the Climate Vulnerability Monitor report by non-profit DARA and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a cooperation group of about 20 developing countries.
While less developed countries are typically hit hardest, major economies like the United States, China and India will also see significant losses in GDP without more action on carbon emissions, the report notes.
Climate change and what the group calls "a carbon-intensive economy" are also responsible for five million deaths every year, from hunger and disease and air pollution, it says.
For the Monitor, the group uses current scientific research and field research to measure climate change impact in 184 countries, using indicators such as environmental disasters, and health impacts.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Sunday, May 13, 2012