Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A man who is accused of collected $80,00 to provide a deed poll for a woman has been arrested by Central Village police in St Catherine on fraud charges.

The man is said to have visited the Registrar General's Department (RGD) in Twickenham Park, and convinced a woman he could provide the service for a fee. The Star was told that in November last year, the man collected the money from the woman, and since then could not be found despite several attempts by the victim.

A report was made to the police and an investigation launched. A sting operation was set up by the police and the man was held on the compound of the RGD on Friday. He was taken into custody on suspicion of obtaining money by means of false pretence.

"There are unscrupulous persons who pretend to be agents, they collect money saying they can get any type of document for them," an investigator said.

The police said that another man who allegedly convinced a woman that he was a lawyer, and could get a divorce for her, collected $50,000 and is now before the courts.

"This man later gave the lady a decree absolute, which turned out to be fraudulent. Checks also revealed he was no lawyer," the investigator said.

The police said people need to exercise patience and conduct their business with the RGD personnel only.