www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 2, 2015 | 10 Police and local rug shop merchant warn of fraudster by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff A local Persian rug dealer and Halton police are calling on residents not to be fooled by door-todoor con artists using the rug dealer's name to commit fraud. Amir Shahbazi is the owner of Amir's Rug Gallery Inc., which deals in high-end, handwoven rugs from Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Having operated in Oakville for 25 years, Shahbazi said it was recently brought to his attention a man is approaching people at their homes in Oakville and attempting to sell cheap, machine-made rugs, which the seller insists are authentic Persian rugs. To make matters worse, the male suspect is claiming to be a representative of Shahbazi's store. Shahbazi is warning residents this person is not affiliated with his store and that they should not trust the sales pitch they hear. "We do not do door-to-door sales," he said. "These people are stealing my identity. They are saying they are me. I want people to know these things so when they get approached they will call police and take their licence plate down." July 15th thru August 15th 3 course Dinner $32.95 2 course Lunch $19.95 plus a la carte Taste of Clarkson 905 822 5751 www.michaelsbackdoor.com 1715 Lakeshore Road West The Halton Regional and business name to try Police Service Fraud and scam local residents. Unit is investigating. In 2008, fraudsters Officers confirmed carried out the same type they received four of door-to-door scam complaints last week claiming they represented from residents who Shahbazi and trying to were approached by the sell residents cheap rugs, fraudster. which they claimed were Police said the expensive Persians. individual uses highThe individuals also pressure sales tactics, used the `sick relative' ploy. claiming to have a sick Police said it is unclear relative overseas and whether these incidents needing money to visit are related, but noted the person. no arrests were made Due to this urgent in connection with the personal situation, the historic incidents. man says he is willing Amir Shahbazi, owner of Amir's Rug Gallery, is being "I am very upset about to let a rug, which he this situation," said impersonated by con artists selling cheap rugs. says is worth $10,000, Shahbazi. | photo by Nikki Wesley Oakville Beaver "This is an ongoing go for just $1,500 or issue and not everyone $1,000. In reality, the rug is only worth a few hundred calls in and reports when this happens." Police are reminding residents to use caution dollars at the most. Shahbazi said he is aware of one case in which when it comes to unsolicited sales and to remember that when something seems too good local residents have fallen for the pitch. "They ended up paying these people money to be true, it most likely is. Anyone with information is asked to contact just to get rid of them," he said. "They were so scared because these people the Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 8739 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) came into their house." Shahbazi said he is frustrated because this is or texting `Tip201' with a message to 274637 not the first time someone has used his name (crimes) or via www.haltoncrimestoppers.com. Skyway Jewellers ce Auto Servi Auto Body ruS A uSed 0c d 0 An p From $2,0 905.338.5721 · Scheduled Maintenance · Fuel Injection · Computer Diagnostics · Transmission & Clutches Accredited Test · Front & Rear End Work & Repair Facility · Electrical · Windshield Repair/Replacement · Shocks & Struts QEW · Air-Conditioning · Brakes Wyecroft · Tune-Ups JNB · Engines · Tires · Wheel Alignments · Oil & Fluid Changes Weller Ct. Insurance Claims Collision Repair Auto Body & Paint Dorval Dr. RING SALE BUY TWO AND RECEIVE ONE FREE* July 2-12, 2015 * equal or lessor value. www.jnbautocenter.com 2 Locations: 2501 Third Line Rd. Oakville 905.827.0700 www.skywayjewellers.com South Oakville Centre 1515 Rebecca, St. Oakville 905.469.0520 294 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville Monday-Friday 8-5 Saturday 8-1