Trail and Greater District RCMP weekly report 2022-11-15

Online Puppy Scams
File # 2022-5216

On November 11, 2022, at 8:23 a.m. a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report about a 64-year-old Trail woman that was defrauded of $1900 in an alleged online puppy scam, in Trail, BC.

The woman attempted to purchase a puppy through a social media website from the alleged seller. She sent the money electronically using prepaid credit cards that she had purchased as requested by the seller. The woman realized she was the victim of a fraud when she did not receive any further communications and her promised puppy.

A puppy scam can cost an unsuspecting buyer thousands of dollars, such as in this case. Please take extra precaution when purchasing pets online. – Sgt. Wicentowich

To avoid becoming a victim, here is some helpful information:

• Legitimate breeders normally have well-established credibility and websites, not just a social media account.
• Websites usually list and show individual breeding dogs, not just pictures of puppies.
• Purebred dogs must be registered by the breeder with the Canadian Kennel Club.
• Ask for references from other customers to ensure the breeder is legitimate and ethical.
• Never pay for the puppy before you see it in person. Typically you can visit the breeder’s place of business and view the animal before purchase. Try not to fall into the trap of limited availability and rush to transfer money to secure your purchase.
• Puppies are usually transfer to their new owners at eight weeks old and come with its first shots and a clean bill of health from a veterinarian check.
• Avoid shipping live animals. It is much more secure to pick up your puppy directly from the breeder.

Calling 911 is not for fun as learned by one sorry man
File # 2022-5224

On November 11, 2022, at 10:00 p.m a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer arrested a 60-year-old Trail man for causing a disturbance by screaming and yelling in the 1400 block of Bay Avenue, in Trail, BC. An officer transported and lodged the man into the cellblock at the Trail Detachment overnight. The next morning, an officer released and transported the man to the bus stop in downtown Trail.

During the transport, the man decided to call 911 from the back of the police car and reported on his police car ride to the emergency dispatch centre. The call was dispatched to the surprised officer as he drove the man to his requested destination. The officer updated the dispatcher about what was occurring inside the police vehicle and speak to the man about his inappropriate use of 911.

An investigation into the 60-year-old Trail man for inappropriately calling 911 is ongoing by Trail RCMP and he may face a charge or fine in regards to the incident.

Remembrance Day 2022

On November 11, 2022, Trail and Greater District RCMP members participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies in the community to honour the Canadians who fought and died for our freedom.

Released by:
Sgt. Mike Wicentowich
NCO i/c Trail RCMP
250-364-2566