CLAYTON Brooks Hayden has been convicted of 15 charges related to frauds, Surrey RCMP announced on Friday.

In April, Surrey RCMP requested the public’s assistance with locating Clayton Brooks Hayden who was wanted in connection with multiple frauds. The frauds occurred at various financial institutions. In each occurrence, victims were approached by a man who claimed to be in dire need of money and requested their help. Victims would be asked to deposit a cheque into their account through an ATM, and to withdraw funds for the man. Days later, the victims would learn that the cheques were fraudulent.

The Surrey RCMP Financial Crime Unit took conduct of multiple investigations, which included frauds in Surrey, Richmond and Burnaby. Investigators worked in partnership with Richmond RCMP and Burnaby RCMP to gather crucial evidence, which supported charges being laid.

Hayden plead guilty to 15 fraud-related charges and was sentenced on November 16. He received a sentence of 15 months’ jail time, two years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution to all 15 victims on the offences he plead guilty to.

“This individual preyed on people’s emotions and willingness to help someone they thought was less fortunate,” said Media Relations Officer Cpl. Vanessa Munn.

Surrey RCMP are reminding the public to be cautious and never to cash a cheque for someone they don’t know.

Visit the  Scams & Frauds section of the Surrey RCMP website for further information on how to avoid being scammed. The website also provides a link to the Canadian Anti-Fraud website which includes a list of current frauds.