How the Scam Works
Step 1: Establishing Trust
Michael Ogden’s scams always begin with building trust. Using and a convincing story, he befriends his victims in casual settings, often during social events like karaoke nights, at hostels, or through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. He presents himself as approachable, professional, and connected to reputable organizations like Rogers or Bell.
Step 2: The Too-Good-To-Be-True Offer
Once trust is established, Michael introduces his scam:
- He claims to work for a company (e.g., Rogers) in a technical or administrative role.
- He offers discounted, “refurbished” laptops, phones, tablets, or other electronics, supposedly being cleared out by his employer.
- Sometimes, he adds incentives like free upgrades (e.g., RAM or hard drives) or event tickets (e.g., Taylor Swift concerts, hockey games, soccer games, basketball games) to sweeten the deal.
Step 3: Fake Documentation
To appear legitimate, Michael provides fabricated invoices or documents:
- Official Letterheads: He uses corporate branding, such as Rogers logos, on fake invoices.
- Professional Tone: His communication mimics corporate professionalism, adding to his credibility.
- “Personalized Service”: He often assures victims that he is handling everything himself, reinforcing the illusion of trustworthiness.
Michael’s offers often appear time-sensitive, pressuring victims to act quickly to “get the deal” before it’s gone.
Step 4: Securing Payment
Once the victim agrees to the deal, Michael demands payment upfront. He may ask for money to be:
- Sent via e-transfer: Directly to him or through an intermediary (e.g., another victim).
- Paid in cash: Under the pretense that the deal is exclusive or under-the-table.
- Cryptocurrency: So the transaction can never be tracked by local authorities, or banks
Step 5: Stringing the Victim Along
After receiving the payment, Michael employs delay tactics to keep the victim hooked:
- He claims the items are being “upgraded” or are “in transit.”
- He sends periodic updates or “work-related stories” to maintain the illusion of legitimacy.
- He will oftentimes delay things by presenting further lies along with his story.
- He may offer additional deals or upgrades, encouraging the victim to invest more money.
Step 6: The Discovery
Victims eventually realize they’ve been scammed when:
- The promised items or tickets never arrive.
- He goes completely dark on you and no longer receive any more messages or emails from him.
- They try to verify his employment or documents, only to discover they are fake.
- They find online warnings or reports about Michael Ogden and his history of fraud.
Common Patterns in Michael’s Scams
- Karaoke and Social Events: He uses these settings to meet and charm potential victims.
- Big Promises: Deals on electronics, free concert tickets, or upgrades to entice victims.
- Corporate Credentials: He falsely claims to work for companies like Rogers or Bell to lend credibility.
- Long-Distance Scams: He often claims to be “traveling for work,” making in-person follow-ups difficult.
- Frequent New Targets: Michael moves from city to city, finding new victims to avoid getting caught.
Red Flags to Watch For
- “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Steep discounts on high-value items or free extras.
- Urgency: Pressure to send money quickly or risk “losing the deal.”
- Inconsistent Stories: Details about his work or location that don’t add up.
- Payment Upfront: Requests for payment before delivering the items.
- Fake Documentation: Invoices or correspondence that seem unprofessional upon closer inspection.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Employment: Contact the company directly to confirm the individual’s claims.
- Research the Individual: Google their name, email, or phone number to check for warnings.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Don’t pay for products or services before receiving them.
- Trust Your Instincts: If it feels off or too good to be true, it likely is.