An Uber driver unknowingly became part of an alleged $9,000 liquor fraud in Saanich after being hired to pick up an online alcohol order placed using a stolen credit card, police say.
In January, Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers released an image of a man Saanich Police were seeking in connection with the pickup of a large alcohol order from Liquor Plus on December 30th.
The image was shared publicly through social media, prompting widespread attention.
Police later confirmed that the individual pictured was not the suspect but an Uber driver contracted to collect the order on behalf of another person.
“Saanich Police were contacted by an individual who was featured in a Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers post,” police said in a statement sent to Victoria Buzz.
“After seeing the post they contacted us to clarify that they were an Uber driver contracted to make a pickup on behalf of someone else. The post with their image has since been removed, and the driver is now cooperating with our investigation.”
When the driver arrived at the store, he did not identify himself as an Uber driver. Instead, he presented the name of the individual who placed the order along with a receipt on his phone.
“He presented the name of the fraudster and the receipt on his phone which were confirmed by police with the staff. He is a good guy about it all and now knows his error,” Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers wrote in an update.
Victoria Buzz has followed up with Saanich Police to ask whether a suspect has been identified and how the purchase was made, including whether a stolen credit card was used. This article will be updated when more information becomes available.
Investigators believe the alcohol was purchased using a fraudulent credit card. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information that could help identify the person responsible is asked to contact Saanich Police or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
