Convicted Fraudster Accused of New Scam While Out on Bail
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
A businessman awaiting appeal of a 525-day jail sentence is accused of defrauding an Ontario woman of $17,500.
Raymond Kalonga, 38, is facing accusations of defrauding an Ontario woman while out on bail pending an appeal of his previous convictions, according to CBC News.
Marcy Barbaro, of Midland, Ont., told CBC News she was targeted by Kalonga in early 2025 after she had been duped by a company called Provincial Smart Home Services. Barbaro says she connected with Kalonga via a Facebook group, where he operated under the alias “Ray Stephens.” Kalonga allegedly claimed to have two decades of industry experience and offered to negotiate a buyout of Barbaro's $27,000 contract at half the cost.
Over several months of communication via WhatsApp, Barbaro says Kalonga built her trust by criticizing the tactics of other scammers. According to CBC News, Barbaro sent a total of $17,500 to companies owned by Kalonga: $5,000 for consultation services and $12,500 intended for the lender, Financeit. Financeit has told CBC News it has no record of dealing with Kalonga and never received the funds.
Kalonga is currently appealing a 525-day jail sentence and a half-million dollar fine issued under Ontario consumer protection laws. He claims the conviction is null because his legal counsel entered guilty pleas without his instruction. Previously, Kalonga operated a business in St. John's called Atlantic Standard HVAC while facing legal issues in Ontario related to a prior door-to-door sales company.