St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP investigating online fraud

November 29, 2022
New Bothwell, Manitoba

News release

Images

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the Manitoba RCMP would like to remind the public when making purchases through the various marketplace platforms online, to please be cautious and aware of the risk of fraud. You should only agree to meet in a public space and provide payment upon meeting with the seller so you have a chance to examine the item prior to payment.

On October 28, 2022, St-Pierre-Jolys received a complaint from a resident of New Bothwell who stated she had been the victim of an online scam.

The victim states that on October 22, 2022, she found a social media post advertising a puppy, which stated was in Altona, needing a new home due to the owners being unable to give it the quality of life it deserved. The victim contacted the seller via social media and struck up an online conversation in hopes of acquiring the puppy.

Over the next few days, photos and videos of a puppy were provided to the victim and an agreement was reached in regards to a price. The victim agreed to provide an e-transfer deposit with the remaining amount owing to be given in person when they met for the exchange.

On the day of the exchange, the victim attended to the agreed-upon location of the meet where she then received a text message stating that the seller's spouse wanted the full payment prior to the exchange to which she submitted once again via e-transfer.

Once the full amount was transferred, the victim did not hear back from the seller.

The investigation has found that the seller's profile was recently created and that this person may have been successful in defrauding two other victims in Winnipeg in the same manner.

If you've been a victim of fraud, please contact your local police.

St-Pierre-Joly RCMP continue to investigate.

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Contact information

Sgt. Paul Manaigre, Media Relations Officer
RCMP Media Relations
204-983-8497

Media.Relations.RCMP.Manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb
Twitter @rcmpmb | @GRCManitoba
http://www.facebook.com/rcmpmb | https://www.facebook.com/GRCManitoba

File number: 2022-1568876

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