News release

Richmond RCMP warns of sleight of hand scam targeting online marketplace sellers

April 16, 2026 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

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Richmond RCMP is warning the public following a new report of a distraction theft involving an online marketplace cash transaction.

In a recent incident, a complainant reported having arranged to meet a prospective buyer in a public location to complete the sale of a high‑value item after communicating through an online platform. 

During the meeting, the intended buyer produced an envelope containing the cash payment. As part of the interaction, the envelope was counted and handled multiple times while the parties negotiated the transaction. The complainant ultimately provided the item to the suspect and was handed back an envelope believed to contain the cash payment that had previously been counted.

Shortly after the exchange was completed, the complainant reported discovering that the envelope had been switched and did not contain the agreed‑upon sum of money. The suspect had already departed the area. 

“We see this type of crime surface from time to time, which involves distracting a seller and then covertly swapping envelopes,” said Corporal Frank Bryson, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Buying or selling items through peer-to-peer marketplaces carries inherent risks, and we urge the public to take precautions to reduce risks such as bringing a friend and using a highly visible location to conduct the transaction, such as the Exchange Zone at the Richmond RCMP Detachment. If someone is unwilling or reluctant to conduct a transaction at the police station, that should be considered a red flag.”

Richmond RCMP Exchange Zone

Richmond RCMP has an Exchange Zone designed for peer-to-peer online marketplace transactions located outdoors at 11411 #5 Rd. and 6931 Granville Ave. There is CCTV 24/7 at these locations. 

For more information or to confirm hours of operation, contact the detachment locations on the Richmond RCMP website.

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