Calgary man charged in fraud and romance scams

A Calgary man who is alleged to have swindled money from dozens of victims using a bogus tech scam, also romanced several women in order to further his con.

The man, who now faces over a dozen fraud and theft-related offences, was reported to police in 2020 after several people alleged to have given him money in return for discounted items such as televisions. The victims were told the man worked for well-known tech companies and had access to electronics at discounted and group rates. Several charges were laid at the time.

In late August 2021, we received additional complaints about this same man. The complaints came from several people in British Columbia who paid the man money for high-end electronics that were never delivered.

As investigators delved into the allegations, they became aware of several local women who met the same man via online dating sites and were treated to extravagant outings. The man also offered the women and their friends deals on electronics, however, after receiving money, no items were ever received.

It’s believed the money used to woo the women was obtained through the earlier fraudulent activity and was intended to groom the victims into trusting the man and giving him their money.

In many of the cases, victims convinced their family members and friends to take advantage of the proposed electronics deal. To date, victims have been located in Langley, Surrey, Delta, Cochrane and Calgary.

In total, the man is believed to have obtained close to $25,000 from his alleged victims. Some handed over a few hundred dollars, while others were duped out of thousands.

Bryan Christopher SYRYDA, 36, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. Additional charges are pending. SYRYDA’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 29, 2022.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a fraud is asked to call police at 403-266-1234.