Indigenous Manager Fights to Clear His Name After False E-Commerce Fraud Charges
Timothy Barker, a 56-year-old band manager from Duncan's First Nation, is seeking to clear his name after being falsely charged with orchestrating a complex e-commerce scam. Prosecutors have stayed the charges, but Barker remains in legal limbo, unable to secure new employment due to his criminal record.
Barker's troubles began when an Ontario woman contacted him, believing he was responsible for a fraudulent purchase made using her Walmart account. Barker had bought seven 'Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy' sets from an Amazon.ca seller, but the items were shipped from Walmart with a Mexican contact number. Barker insists he is a victim of triangulation fraud, a well-understood problem in e-commerce where a consumer's payment card data is stolen and used to purchase items from another retailer.
The RCMP investigated Barker, eventually arresting him and charging him with theft under the assumption he was involved in the scam. Barker maintains his innocence and believes he and the Ontario woman are both victims. He has lost his job as a result of the arrest and has been unable to find new employment due to his criminal record. Barker is now considering suing the investigating officer for defamation.
Prosecutors have stayed the charges against Barker, but he remains in legal limbo, unable to clear his name. Triangulation fraud is a known issue in e-commerce, and Barker believes he is a victim, not a perpetrator. His future remains uncertain as he continues to fight to clear his name.
