Manitoba RCMP investigating online puppy fraud

Manitoba RCMP is investigating after a woman from New Bothwell said she became a victim of a puppy fraud scheme.
Officers with the St-Pierre-Jolys detachment received a complaint from a resident on Oct. 28. She said on Oct. 22, she found a social media post advertising a puppy. The post said the puppy was in Altona and needed a new home due to the owners being unable to give it the quality of life it deserved. The woman contacted the seller and started a conversation online in hopes of getting the puppy.
RCMP said the victim received photos and a video of the puppy and she reached an agreement with the seller for the price of the puppy. The victim agreed to provide an e-transfer deposit, with the remaining money owed to be given in person when they met for the exchange.
On the day of the exchange, the victim arrived at an agreed upon location and then received a text saying the seller’s spouse wanted the full payment before the exchange, which the victim sent 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,” RCMP said in a release.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
RCMP says people should be cautious and aware of the risk of fraud, and should only agree to meet in a public place when making purchases through online marketplaces. Buyers should also provide payment only upon meeting with the seller so you have a chance to examine the item before money changes hands.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Food prices set to increase -- again -- as blackout on price hikes ends at some stores
Higher grocery prices are expected to hit stores across Canada soon as a blackout on price increases over the holiday season comes to an end.

Trudeau says Quebecers are not racist as he stands by Elghawaby appointment
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada's new special representative on combating Islamophobia is the perfect person to help Canadians grapple with difficult conversations about religion.
BREAKING | Former CBC journalist dies after random attack on Toronto street
A long-time CBC radio producer who was the victim of a random assault in Toronto last week has died, the public broadcaster confirms.
Canada's immigration increase alone won't fix the labour market, experts say
Experts say Canada's plan to increase immigration may ease some pressures in the labour market, but bigger changes are needed to ensure new permanent residents are matched with the jobs that most need filling.
'Immediately stop' wearing these sweaters and hoodies, Health Canada warns
Nearly 130,000 Helly Hansen sweaters and hoodies have been recalled in Canada due to flammability concerns.
Couple leave ticketless baby at Israeli airport check-in
A couple abandoned their baby at an airport check-in desk in Tel Aviv, Israel after arriving without a ticket for the child.
FBI searches Biden's Delaware home: lawyer
The FBI searched U.S. President Joe Biden's Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home Wednesday as part of its investigation into the potential mishandling of classified documents, the president's personal lawyer said.
Health Canada recalls mugs and houseware from Indigo due to mould contamination
Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to check their cupboards and kitchen tables as the agency has recalled more than 30 types of Indigo-branded items including ceramic mugs, mug ornaments and houseware products due to potential mould contamination.
Radioactive capsule that fell off truck found in Australia
Authorities in Western Australia on Wednesday recovered a tiny but dangerous radioactive capsule that fell off a truck while being transported along a 1,400-kilometre Outback highway last month in what an official said was like finding the needle in the haystack.