Creston man posed as a cop to defraud local businesses
A Creston man is facing several criminal charges after he posed as a police officer to get store credit at multiple businesses. He convinced at least three businesses to give him merchandise with the promise he'd return to pay for them. He never did return to pay for the items, according...
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A Creston man is facing several criminal charges after he posed as a police officer to get store credit at multiple businesses.
He convinced at least three businesses to give him merchandise with the promise he'd return to pay for them. He never did return to pay for the items, according to an RCMP news release.
Police also said he gave out what appeared to be legitimate police ID and business cards, but he "in no way" works for the RCMP or any other police force.
Felix Ference, 57, was arrested and charged with three counts of impersonating a peace officer, two counts of fraud under $5,000 and one for theft under $5,000.
"We believe Ference may have attempted or even been successful in getting goods from businesses in Creston and the surrounding areas. We know it is not uncommon for small businesses to extend credit to customers in more rural areas," RCMP Const. Brett Urano said in the release.
"If you were victim to this, or someone attempted to gain store credit purporting to work with the police, we would like to hear from you."
Police believe he may have posed as an undercover officer with Creston RCMP to get more goods or services from other local businesses.
Police first started getting reports about Ference on Nov. 20. He was eventually arrested and later released with bail conditions.
If you believe you fell victim to this man, or if he attempted to gain services by posing as a police officer, please call the Creston RCMP at 250-428-9313.
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