A 64-year-old man who bilked more than 40 people for almost a million dollars has been arrested by Ridge Meadows RCMP.
Douglas Archie Clark now faces 13 counts of fraud, but has been released on bail.
Police allege the Burnaby resident portrayed himself as a member of the Canadian military, often indicating he was either currently employed or retired from the navy.
Clark sometimes wore a military uniform as part of the ruse.
Ridge Meadows RCMP's serious crime unit began investigating Clark three and a half years ago and believe he has defrauded more than 40 people for more than $900,000. Some complaints date back to the 1990s.
Insp. Dave Fleugel said Clark tells his victims he is sick with cancer and needs money for treatment that is not covered by his medical plan.
"A good portion of Clark’s victims are people he knows," added Fleugel. "He has been very convincing in his scams and his victims honestly believe that he is employed or was employed, with the military. We know this to be false and will present our case in court.”
Clark appeared in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Thursday and was released on $10,000 bail.
He is not allowed to contact any of his alleged victims, must remain in B.C., and not wear any military uniform, until court proceedings conclude.
Clark's next court appear is in July.