Kijiji ticket sale scam results in 109 charges against Edmonton man

An Edmonton man is facing more than 100 fraud charges in connection to an online ticket sale scam targeting people across the country last year.

"We've identified 88 complainants and more than $12,000 lost to fraud in the investigation, but this is likely a small snapshot of the problem," says Acting Det. Mike Walkom.

Police began investigating fraudulent ticket sales on Kijiji Canada in November when several people complained after trying to buy Canadian Finals Rodeo tickets.

Ticket buyers were contacted after posting requests for tickets to concert and sporting events.The seller would ask for an electronic money transfer and after receiving payment fail to provide the ticket, Walkom said.

Kijiji Canada worked closely with the Edmonton police throughout the investigation, he said.

A 30-year-old man, who no criminal record prior to the scam, now faces 109 fraud and impersonation-related charges.

Police believe the man and a female accomplice, who has yet to be charged, were involved with more than 80 fraudulent online transactions from January to November 2014.

The man used many aliases over the period, he said. 

"We believe there are more complainants out there," he said.

Walkom said people need to more vigilant when it comes to online sales.

"The public needs to be aware of the dangers associated with purchasing items online from unknown sellers," Walkom said.

"Online fraud rarely occurs as a single incident," he said. "If you are a victim, please report it. This information identifies crime trends and can lead to an arrest, as in this case.

"There's no need to feel embarrassed or simply write off the loss."