Quesnel, B.C. – Police are warning Quesnel residents about a new scam to hit the community.

They say it involves local classified ads – both online and in print media. The fraudster contacts people with ads seeking various goods and services and then contacts the individual who has advertised that he/she is “in search of” something and requests a meeting to view or discuss the item/service he claims to have available.

He then meets with the person inquiring about the good/service and will tell them he will only produce the item or provide the service after he receives a portion of the payment first.

In other cases, the scam artist has stated his truck has broken down and he requires money to fix it before he is able to deliver the product.

As a result police are asking citizens to be wary of any pre-payment arrangements for classified ad purchases and urge people not to provide any money until the transaction is complete.

Anyone who has been approached by this individual is asked to contact the Quesnel RCMP at 250-992-9211.