Moncton man sentenced to 30 days in prison for cheque fraud

November 8, 2018 (Toronto, ON) – The results of an Aviva Canada investigation into a Moncton man recently sentenced to 30 days in prison for cheque fraud highlight the ever-present risk of fraud to consumers and the auto insurance system, but also demonstrate the value of decisive action by police. By Aviva Canada estimates, automobile insurance fraud costs Canadians more than $2 billion every year.

“Aviva Canada does not tolerate fraud of any kind against its customers. In too many cases, cheque fraud investigations do not get the attention and resolution they deserve, and that is why we are very pleased with this outcome,” said Christopher Lang, Senior Manager, Fraud Management for Aviva Canada. “We will always fight fraud on behalf of our customers, and we applaud the Moncton RCMP for their thorough investigation, reinforcing that fraud is a criminal offence which will not be tolerated.”

Aviva Canada urges consumers to be alert to any suspicious activity that may lead to fraudulent activity against them. For tips on what to look for, please visit www.avivacanada.com/fightfraud. Aviva Canada customers who suspect they may have been a victim of fraud can contact our 24/7 fraud hotline 1-855-332-5255 or email us at fraud.canada@aviva.com.

BACKGROUND

In June 2017, an Aviva Canada customer was involved in an automobile collision with a moose in Scoudouc, New Brunswick. While he sustained minor injuries and significant damage to his vehicle because of the collision, the claim was resolved within weeks and three settlement cheques were mailed to him. When Aviva Canada learned that two of three cheques did not reach him, we immediately launched our investigation.

With the cooperation of bank officials and a parallel investigation conducted by the Moncton RCMP, it was determined that Shane Oulton of Moncton, New Brunswick illegally intercepted the two settlement cheques in question. Aviva Canada promptly issued new settlement cheques to the customer, and on September 4, 2018, Mr. Oulton was charged with Fraud Under $5,000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. He plead guilty to both charges and, on October 30, 2018, Mr. Oulton was sentenced to 30 days in prison and 18 months probation.

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Media Contact
Elizabeth Wood
Mobile: (437) 346-1924
Email: elizabeth.wood@aviva.com

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, Aviva Canada has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for our customers and our communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada’s longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $8.5 million to over 280 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.

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