Waterloo Regional Police Make an Arrest in Connection to On-line Puppy Scam

Waterloo Regional Police have arrested and charged a female in connection to an on-line puppy scam.

Between April 3, 2020, and April 5, 2020, ten victims reported that they responded to an on-line advertisement featuring French bulldog puppies for sale. In most instances, the victims were provided with a number that allowed them to communicate with the seller and receive images of the puppies. In order to confirm the sale, the buyer was requested to send an e-transfer to secure the puppy. When the buyer requested to see the puppies in person, the seller allegedly stated that due to current COVID-19 and physical distancing restrictions, no viewings were allowed. The victims transferred the money, however never received their puppy.

As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a Cambridge residence and a 24-year-old female has been charged with several Fraud-related offences.  

Police are reminding the public to #StopPauseThink prior to transferring any money. Consider the following safety tips, to prevent becoming a victim:

• Confirm the legitimacy of the ad prior to sending any money.
• Do not send a deposit or full payment without first seeing the animal.
• Make purchases from known breeders or suppliers, or adopt a pet through rescue centers.
• Trust your instincts. When in any doubt consult police or someone you trust.

If you have been a victim of a scam and suffered a financial loss, please report the incident on-line on our Online Reporting page or call our non-emergency number at 519-570-9777.  You can also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visit them online.

For additional resources and information pertaining to scams and frauds is also available in various languages, visit the Canadian Government's Protect Yourself Against Fraud page, the Competition Bureau website, or the Anti Fraud Centre website. 

Media Inquiries

Ashley Dietrich
Public Information Officer
Executive Branch
Waterloo Regional Police Service
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8285
ashley.dietrich@wrps.on.ca

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