Hamilton police charge PSW in credit, debit fraud investigation

Hamilton police have charged a 24-year-old personal support worker following a fraud investigation involving credit and debit card transactions.

In July 2026, authorities received complaints involving unauthorized purchases on the credit and debit card accounts of residents at Carrington Place in Ancaster.

Investigators later identified a personal support worker employed at the retirement home as the suspect. They allege the employee had access to residents’ credit and debit cards while working at the facility.

As a result of the investigation, on Oct. 13, officers arrested a Hamilton woman. A search warrant carried out at her residence resulted in the recovery of evidence related to the fraudulent purchases.

Bella Azalia Carranza Mejia has been charged with the following offences:

• Fraud Under $5,000 (three counts)
• Use Stolen Credit Card (three counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (three counts)

Authorities are not seeking additional victims.

Hamilton police say, “the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommends reviewing bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, watching for unfamiliar charges and immediately contacting your financial institution if fraudulent activity is suspected.”

More information about fraud prevention can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

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