The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 6, 2012 · 4 Inside Opinion.............................................6 Artscene..........................................36 Worship..........................................38 Sports..............................................39 Classified........................................44 For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Thu., and Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open for calls only after 5 p.m.) Closed Sat. and Sun. New subscriptions call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Police warn of poker scams Full Delivery: New Homes, Dell Computers, Home Hardware, AAR Automotive, Remedy Drug Store Co. Inc. Sterling House Interiors, 2001 Audio, Smart Source, Oakville Wrap, Michael's of Canada, Resorts of Ontario Halton police are warning area residents to beware of poker game scams after its Fraud Unit arrested a B.C. man believed to be part of a larger crime ring working in Halton, Hamilton, the GTA and other cities in Canada. The 64-year-old of Port Moody, B.C. faces two counts of fraud over $5,000. According to police, the scam sees someone contact a company owner wanting to do business. The victim is asked to meet the suspect at a hotel or rented office for further discussions and once there, is asked to sit in for someone who has to take a phone call during a poker game that's just finishing up -- said to be part of a birthday celebration or luncheon. When the victim wins the hand, they are offered half the winning and invited to continue. The next hand usually results in the victim losing a large sum of money, for which payment is demanded. A second variation of the scam has also occurred, involving a charity event or social setting rather than a business appointment. According to police, the same group is believed to be involved in the same type of scam for years throughout the GTA and Canada. Investigators believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Sgt. John Mans of the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8760, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www. haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting "Tip201" with the message to 274637 (crimes). Police are also encouraging residents to visit www.haltonpolice.ca for safety and security tips related to identity theft and fraud prevention.