Man facing nearly 100 charges in Toronto fraud scheme using fake cheques
A 22-year-old man has been charged with nearly 100 offences after allegedly defrauding multiple people in Toronto using fake cheques.
According to Toronto police, the incidents took place over the span of about 10 months, between April 2021 and February 2022.
During this time, a man would reach out to victims on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and Snapchat and agree to buy various items such as designer shoes and clothing.
Police say the man would meet the victims and pay for the items using fraudulent cheques that were deposited through mobile banking.
“The cheques would be more than the items purchased, causing the victims to transfer the difference back to the man,” police said in a news release issued in February.
The cheques were later put on hold and determined to be fake; however police say that by the time that process was complete, the man would have already fled with both the merchandise and money.
Police say they took a suspect into custody on June 27 in connection with the investigation.
Toronto resident Tyrese Campbell-Fraser was charged with 97 offences, including five counts of fraud over $5,000, 29 counts of fraud under $5,000, 30 counts of causing another person to act on a forged document, four counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of uttering threats and 27 counts of failing to comply with probation.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Police have also released Campbell-Fraser’s image as investigators believe there may be more victims.
He has been described as standing about six feet, weighing about 180 pounds, with braided hair and fades on the sides, and a black beard.
Police say he has tattoos of "Heaven Fraser" on his right forearm, and "514" on his left forearm.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact police or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street