Toronto (April 27, 2020) – Toronto police arrested Asher William Din for multiple incidents exploiting people’s willingness to help strangers including fraudulent cheques. Victims reported to the police that he approached them asking for help which always resulted in financial loss. Din was charged on April 24 with two counts of Fraud Over $5,000 and eight counts of Fraud Under $5,000 as a result of a Financial Crimes Unit investigation.
Toronto police reported the arrest of Asher William Din of Toronto for several fraud incidents including fake cheques as a result of a fraud investigation, according to a press release from April 24. The 37-year-old is suspected of exploiting people’s willingness to help strangers and defrauding his victims of various amounts.
Man exploited people’s willingness to help
Victims reported multiple similar fraud incidents to the Toronto police between November 2018 and November 2019. They all described a man that approached and quickly befriended them in various locations such as parking lots. It is alleged that he told them a story that he is in financial trouble. Finally, he convinced them to assist him by cashing a cheque.
The man exploited people’s good nature by telling them a pitiful story. His victims stated that they felt sorry for him and eventually agreed to deposit the cheque into their accounts to help him out. Subsequently, they made a cash withdrawal and gave the money to the man. Later on, the victims found out that the cheques were fraudulent and that they or the financial institution lost the funds given to the stranger.
Several similar fraudulent incidents in London
Unfortunately, this kind of fraudulent audacious incident is not uncommon. Last week, the London police asked the public for help in a similar case. Several victims had contacted the police to report fraudulent incidents where the suspect manipulated his victims into giving him money faking an emergency.
The victims stated that they also have been approached in locations such as parking lots or common areas inside apartment buildings. The London fraudster asked for cash to pay for towing services and promised to repay his victims via e-transfer.
After the suspect received the money, he was not reachable anymore and ultimately, did not return the money as promised. The London police announced that they identified the suspect and that the investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE (May 12, 2020): As a result of the investigation, Jesse James Edwards, 27, of London, has been arrested and charged with twelve counts of fraud under $5000 and eleven counts of possession of proceeds obtained by crime on May 11.
Toronto man arrested and charged
On April 24, the Financial Crimes Unit of the Toronto police arrested and charged Asher William Din as a result of their investigation into the multiple linked cases in Toronto. Din is facing two counts of Fraud Over $5,000 and eight counts of Fraud Under $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 17.
Read more: Charges laid against Vancouver serial con man targeting seniors
The police believe that there may be more victims and anyone with information is asked to contact investigators. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com.
