A 24-year-old man accused of 27 counts of fraud, including six in Burnaby, has been sentenced to more jail time and ordered to repay his victims after pleading guilty to 15 charges.
Surrey RCMP put out a press release in April requesting help locating Clayton Brooks Hayden, who was wanted in connection with multiple frauds.
“In each occurrence, victims were approached by a man who claimed to be in dire need of money, who requested their help,” states a police news release. “Victims were asked to deposit a cheque into their account through an ATM, and to withdraw funds for the man. Days later, the victims learned that the cheques were fraudulent.”
Surrey RCMP’s financial crime unit took conduct of multiple investigations, including frauds in Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond.
Hayden was eventually charged with 27 counts of fraud under $5,000, including six in Burnaby in December 2020 and January 2021, according to Court Services Online.
He pleaded guilty this month to 15 counts, including one in Burnaby in December.
He was sentenced the same day to 15 months in jail – minus eight months’ credit for time already served – and two years of probation.
Hayden, whom Surrey RCMP described in April as having no fixed address, was also ordered to pay restitution to the 15 people he admitted to victimizing.
The total amount of the restitution order is $12,240, and includes sums from $120 to $1,400, according to court documents.
The other charges against Hayden, including five alleged frauds in Burnaby, were stayed.
“This individual preyed on people’s emotions and willingness to help someone they thought was less fortunate,” Surrey RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Vanessa Munn said in the release. “Surrey RCMP is reminding the public to be cautious and never to cash a cheque for someone they don’t know.”
Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website for further information on how to avoid being scammed.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
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