Fraudster solicits cash claiming to be SickKids Foundation canvasser

Article content

Investigators need help identifying a suspected fraudster who has allegedly been going door-to-door in the city claiming he’s collecting money to help sick children.

Article content

Toronto Police say a man has been attending apartment buildings in the downtown core since at least November 2023 and falsely portraying himself as a SickKids Foundation canvasser while soliciting cash donations on the charity’s behalf.

Article content

“The man wears clothing and a false identity badge identifying himself as a canvasser for SickKids Foundation,” Const. Laurie McCann said in a statement released Saturday, adding “the man is not a legitimate canvasser for SickKids Foundation.”

She said some people have reported the man “becomes aggressive and physically intimidating when challenged by complainants.”

Investigators have released images of a suspect hoping members of the public will recognize him and come forward.

Article content

And police are warning anyone who encounters this man not to confront him.

The Financial Crimes Unit also advises the following:

– Legitimate canvassers for SickKids Foundation wear an Identity card attached to a lanyard with the canvassers name, ID# and a QR code, which can be scanned for additional information;

– SickKids Foundation does not canvass in apartment buildings and/or condominium buildings – ever;

– SickKids Foundation canvassers never solicit for cash donations and are forbidden for doing so;

– If there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of a charity canvasser at your door, please refer to the SickKids Foundation’s website.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts is urged to call police at 416-808-5135 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

[email protected]

@sundoucette

Article content