A Nanaimo man suspected of cheating women out of their money is wanted on seven fraud charges, and police say there could be more victims.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between February and August 2017.
Nanaimo RCMP said several women in their mid-20s to early 30s were targeted on the dating website Plenty of Fish or other social media and befriended by a man.
Soon after meeting, police said, the man would tell the woman he had lost his bank card or forgotten it with a family member. The woman would be asked to deposit a cheque from a business called On the Rocks Surveying into her own account and withdraw the corresponding amount — between $1,000 and $1,600 — for the man.
Police said the man would disappear soon after getting the money — just as the bank notified the woman the cheque did not clear and that the company did not exist.
RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien said some of the women have taken to social media to warn other women. “We, too, wish to warn others and, hopefully, encourage any who have not come forward yet to do so.”
A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Jordan David Shepherd, 34.
Shepherd is facing five counts of fraud under $5,000 in Nanaimo, one in Ladysmith and one in New Westminster.
Police said Shepherd sometimes goes by Dave Rofter. He is described as six-foot-one and 230 pounds with blond hair, blue eyes, a tattoo of a crown on his right wrist and the words “No Regrets” on his right upper arm.
Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go to nanaimocrimestoppers.com.
