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Fake GPL workers charged in $300,000 scam targeting apartment owner
(Kaieteur News) – Two men were on Monday granted bail after being charged with allegedly swindling an apartment building owner out of $300,000 by posing as employees of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.
The accused, Mark Calder, 33, a bus driver of Lot 21 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, and Orlando McPherson, 40, of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge of obtaining money by false pretense.
The duo denied the charge, which alleges that on June 11 at Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, they unlawfully obtained $300,000 from Fizal Ally by posing as GPL employees. The matter was adjourned and the men were each granted bail in the sum of $75,000.
Orlando McPherson
Mark Calder
It is alleged that Calder contacted Ally and claimed that the electricity meter at his apartment building had been removed due to alleged electricity theft.
According to GPL, the company received a report from Ally on June 12 that he had been contacted by an individual posing as a GPL staff member, who claimed that the electricity meter at his apartment building had been removed due to alleged electricity theft.
GPL confirmed that Ally’s meter had, in fact, been removed from the property on June 11. It is alleged that Calder subsequently demanded $300,000 from Ally to facilitate the replacement of the meter and to avoid escalation of the matter.
Communication between Ally and the accused regarding the transfer of the funds raised suspicion, prompting Ally to report the matter to GPL. An investigation was launched and the incident was subsequently reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
A sting operation was later conducted, during which Calder was apprehended at the junction of Brickdam and Vlissengen Road while allegedly attempting to collect the money. Meanwhile, his alleged accomplice, McPherson, reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended.
In a June 12 statement, GPL warned members of the public to exercise extreme caution following the incident involving the impersonation of a GPL employee and the fraudulent demand for money from a customer. The company also disclosed that Ally’s electricity meter has not been recovered.
GPL reminded customers to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious requests for payment or interactions with individuals claiming to represent the company. Verification can be done by contacting GPL directly on 226-2600 or through its official social media platforms.
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