St-Pierre-Jolys are currently investigating an online fraud incident where a New Bothwell resident was attempting to purchase a puppy through a social media post believed to have originated in Altona, Manitoba.
On October 28, 2022, St-Pierre-Jolys received a complaint from a female resident of New Bothwell stating that she had been the victim of an online scam.
The victim said that on October 22, 2022, she found a social media post advertising a puppy The ad stated that the puppy 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.
Police say that 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.
RCMP report that 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.
Police are warning the public to be aware of fraud and to 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.
