A 31-year-old Hamilton man is facing a string of serious fraud-related charges after Toronto Police uncovered what they allege was a months-long babysitting recruiting scam that targeted victims across Canada. According to investigators, between October 2024 and August 2025, the accused operated under the false name “Ashley Turnbull” to secure various babysitting jobs. Once in contact with potential employers, he allegedly sent them cheques with instructions to deposit the funds into their personal bank accounts. Victims were then told to transfer the money back to him, under the pretense that it would be used for supplies and materials necessary for babysitting duties.
Police say the scheme relied on the fact that banks often clear deposited cheques before confirming their validity. In many cases, days after the funds had been transferred, the victims learned the cheques were fraudulent, leaving them out of pocket with no way to recover their losses. The fraud extended beyond Toronto, with police identifying multiple victims in other provinces. After an in-depth probe by the 32 Division Fraud Unit, officers arrested the accused, identified as Kim Manget, on August 8.
Manget now faces 22 charges, including seven counts each of fraud under $5,000, possession of stolen property, and causing a person to act on a forged document, as well as one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on October 1. Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud to report the incident to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They also encourage individuals with information related to this case to contact Toronto Police or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.