Police in Ottawa have put a stop to a major identity theft scam that preyed on victims across Canada and allegedly racked up more than $500,000 worth of charges on bogus credit cards.

After searching a house in the suburb of Orléans on Tuesday, police came up with 60 credit cards, social insurance cards and drivers licences issued in the names of victims. They arrested two suspects.

"I think the elaborateness of the crime itself was quite unique and extensive," said Kevin Wilcox, the lead investigator. "It seemed to be a full-time job for these two individuals."

Lead investigator Kevin Wilcox

Police say online employment ads were used to lure victims to send resumes. When they applied, they received a letter promising a high-paying position from one of four companies – Logistic Telecom, Microtel, Idcor or Pastel Media.

The letter requested candidates to send a $20 administration fee and fill out an application form.

The form asked for personal information such as a social insurance number, a driver's licence number, full name, and address. That information was then used to apply for credit cards. About $500,000 was racked up for such items as high-end electronics.

Police found credit cards, social insurance cards and drivers licences.

There may be more than 100 victims and police say it could take more than a week to identify all of them.

The scam was discovered when a man from Ottawa complained to Canada Post that he was no longer receiving his mail. Officials found his mail had been transferred, but he had never requested the switch.

Canada Post then contacted Ottawa police, who discovered other people had also had their mail redirected to a post office box without their knowledge.

Police tracked down the rerouted mail to the home in Orléans where they arrested two individuals.

"Before you apply to a job, I'd suggest you check out the job you're applying to," Wilcox said. "Especially in this case, a job that was offering a high wage in which they would train you.

"That doesn't make any sense," he added. "You have to do your homework."

Richard Pierre, 35, and Patricia Emmanuel, 31, are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.