A potential fraud alert is resounding in Central Alberta and RCMP are cautioning people to be aware of scams.
Recently a horse scam has been seen near the Red Deer area and Cpl. Dave Heaslip encourages individuals to watch out for themselves when selling their horses.
“Ponoka is in the middle of horse country so it’s important that people know that this is going on,” said Heaslip. “It’s not only involving horses, it can happen with any commodity.”
The classic scam usually involves a cheque. The buyer may say they want to buy the $2,500 horse and offers the person selling the horse a $6,000 cheque telling them that they will sign the back and asking the seller for $3,500 promising them that they will get it all back when they cash the cheque. The cheque turns out to be no good and the ‘buyer’ gets away with someone else’s money.
Heaslip asks that if anyone does have any information or is in doubt about their buyer to contact the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472, or if wishing to remain anonymous to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.