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 at www.wrps.on.ca/onlinereporting 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 at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

For additional resources and information pertaining to scams and frauds is also available in various languages, visit:

www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html,

www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

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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