Oakville Man Charged in Employment Fraud Targeting New Canadians
An Oakville, Ontario, man faces multiple charges after allegedly defrauding recent immigrants in an elaborate employment scheme designed to steal their identities. Rafael Layton, 53, was arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with the fraud.
The Scheme Unveiled
Halton Regional Police initiated the examination in April following reports of a suspect preying on new Canadians, many of whom worked as drivers for ride-sharing services like Uber and lyft. The suspect allegedly posed as a Toyota Motor Company executive to gain the victims’ trust.
Did you know? Identity theft is a growing concern, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources and guidance on protecting yourself from identity theft. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for more information.
According to police, the suspect would convince his victims to give him sensitive personal documents and information like passports, social insurance numbers, banking information and government ID.
This information was then allegedly used to purchase mobile phones and vehicles,as well as secure a residential lease under a false identity.
Vulnerability Exploited
Investigators believe the victims, being new to canada, and unfamiliar with employment standards, were vulnerable to this type of suspected scam.
The investigation has identified three victims so far, but authorities suspect there may be more.
Pro tip: always verify the legitimacy of job offers, especially those requiring you to provide sensitive personal information upfront. Contact the company directly through official channels to confirm the offer.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mr. Layton faces charges of fraud over $5,000, identity fraud, false pretenses, and failure to comply with a release order. He is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Seeking Additional Victims
Police believe there might potentially be other victims who have not yet come forward. The accused reportedly used aliases, including “Rafiq” and “Ali.” A photo of Mr. Layton has been released to the public, and authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by him to contact them.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service.
