A Toronto man has been arrested in a scam targeting the city’s LGBT community, which police say began with an online connection and ended with the man sending electronic money transfers to himself from victims’ phones.
Police have identified five victims and and believe there may be others, estimating the total losses so far to be about $30,000.
“In all cases, the victims were simply looking for some companionship,” Det. Jason Contant said at a news conference Thursday. “Instead they were deceived for financial gain.”
A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the thefts on March 2 and now faces a number of charges, including 11 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property and 15 counts of unauthorized use of credit cards.
Police allege the accused targeted his victims from Nov. 19, 2021 to Feb. 23 using social media and dating apps. After meeting the victims in person, he eventually visited their homes, where he would ask to use the victims’ cell phone, police say.
Police say the man then sent electronic money transfers to himself and made purchases with the victim’s credit card information.
The credit card information was also used to make multiple retail purchases at several locations, as well as Uber transactions for up to $2000, police say.
Police said Thursday they’re concerned that the…
