A Halton woman has been arrested and charged with 15 counts of fraud after pretending to be a massage therapist.
Members of Halton Regional Police's Financial Crimes Unit began an investigation into allegations of identity fraud back in January 2024.
For the case, investigators were looking at reports where a female had portrayed herself as a licensed massage therapist, operating both from her residence and in a mobile capacity, providing services to a number of unsuspecting individuals.
The seven month investigation determined that, "the suspect had acquired and was using the registration numbers of legitimate licensed massage therapists and after receiving payment for her services, was providing these registration numbers to her clients for invoices to be submitted to their respective insurance providers."
During the course of the investigation the suspect was also found to be providing a number of other treatments she was not licensed to conduct, such as physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Over a four year period, the suspect obtained $37,000 portraying herself as a licensed massage/acupuncture and physiotherapist.
On July 23, 2024, Mahvish Ahmed (49) of Milton was arrested and charged with the following:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Identity Fraud (13 counts)
Ahmed was released on an undertaking with a court date set for Aug. 26, 2024 in Milton.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8739.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.