Timothy Peter Smith, a former real estate agent, is reportedly soliciting $50 donations from individuals for a purported mental health charity. This comes after previous accusations of owing over $1,000 in unpaid bills at a Dee Why burger shop, as revealed two months after he allegedly breached his bail conditions.
Screenshots circulating on Facebook groups show messages attributed to Smith asking for donations to a men's mental health charity he claims to be starting. One message reportedly stated, "Most of the boys are already in." The timing of these solicitations, often occurring late at night, has raised suspicions among former friends who claim Smith has defrauded them in the past.
Two sources have come forward stating they donated money to what they now believe was a fictitious charity. The GurTaj Indian Restaurant in Collaroy is also reported to have contributed funds. Smith allegedly directed Instagram followers to the personal account of a journalist who had previously written about him, sharing QR codes for the account.
Following the publication of earlier reports, Smith's girlfriend reportedly left the country, posting from Ontario, Canada. However, the couple is understood to have recently signed a lease for a harborfront apartment in Manly.
The owner of the burger shop previously reported that Smith provided what appeared to be a fraudulent bank transfer receipt to settle a $1,246.50 food and alcohol bill. The owner, a software engineer, claimed the receipt had metadata and editing inconsistencies, leading him to initiate legal action. Smith allegedly responded to the legal threat by texting, "Well done mate... Happy I am truthful."
Smith, who previously worked in IT sales after his real estate career ended due to fraud convictions, was a regular at the burger restaurant. Staff reported that he would sometimes claim to be the owner and solicit investments from diners. He also allegedly told people he part-owned Hedonist Restaurant in Collaroy, where he had previously worked and was reportedly fired after an arrest.
Court records indicate Smith has been subject to multiple apprehended violence orders. He was charged in May with allegedly breaching bail conditions related to domestic and family violence. While he admitted to breaching residential address conditions, he was allowed to remain on bail under stricter terms. He has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges, with his case due back in court on September 28. One former partner is protected by a domestic violence order in place until 2030.
Smith's history includes a 15-month intensive corrections order for fraud offenses committed in 2019. While working as a salesman at Novak Properties, he allegedly convinced four clients to transfer over $31,000 into his personal bank accounts, falsely claiming they were official company accounts. He pleaded guilty to charges including dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and using false documents.