RCMP are investigating an online fraud that used a tall tale about a puppy needing a new home to lure in victims.

On October 22, 2022, a woman from New Bothwell found a social media post advertising a puppy in Altona. The post stated that the puppy needed a new home because the owners were unable to give it the quality of home it deserved. The woman contacted the person selling the dog on social media in an effort to acquire the puppy.

Pictures and videos were provided by the seller and a price was agreed to. The victim e-transferred a deposit and agreed to pay the balance when the exchange was made.

On the day the puppy was to be picked up the buyer went to the agreed-upon meeting place but then received a text stating the seller’s spouse wanted payment in full before the exchange. The buyer e-transferred the balance. Once the money was transferred the seller did not contact the buyer again.

RCMP believe that the seller had recently created their online profile and may have successfully scammed two other victims in Winnipeg the same way.

Investigators are asking anyone who has been a victim of fraud to contact their local police service.

The investigation continues.