Church scammed over $275,000 in years-long fraud, employee from Brampton charged

Police have laid a fraud charge against a church employee in Brampton who allegedly scammed more than a quarter million dollars from the church and the community.

The fraud took place between October 2020 and January 2023 according to Peel Regional Police, who say an employee scammed more than $275,000 from St. Paul’s United Church in Brampton.

Police say the scam saw funds skimmed from the fees of church facilities rented out to community organizations for events like meetings, concerts and weddings.

A police spokesperson tells Insauga.com that someone from the church contacted police after discovering the fraud, and investigators say the accused church employee had “redirected the rental funds for the Church hall directly into her personal bank accounts”

A 50-year-old woman from Brampton was arrested on Wednesday (Sept. 27), according to police.

Peel Regional Police have charged Elizabeth Sarginson, 50, of Brampton with one count of fraud 0ver $5,000.00.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Saturday.

The incident has police reminding residents to be aware of potential scams as fraudsters will often target people in vulnerable situations who can be coerced, manipulated or taken advantage of for profit.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-3311 ext. 3335. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.