Police in Alberta and Saskatchewan are looking for a 31-year-old man wanted on fraud charges stemming from allegedly unfulfilled online ads for farm equipment.
Bradly Barry Kowalczyk is wanted on warrants from Calgary and the Three Hills, Chestermere, Crowsnest Pass, Viking, St. Paul and Olds areas of Alberta on charges relating to fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and breaching conditions of release, and is also wanted on “similar” charges from Weyburn, Sask.
According to Three Hills RCMP and Calgary police on Monday, Kowalczyk is alleged to have been “prolific” over the past year in taking out online classified ads for “high-value items such as farm- and industrial-type equipment.”
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Kowalczyk, it’s alleged, then took deposits from victims for the advertised items without providing the advertised product.
Kowalczyk is believed to be travelling with a dark grey 2012 Nissan Titan and a 2009 Fleetwood travel trailer, RCMP said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kowalczyk or his vehicle is asked to contact local police, Cst. Seth Adair of the Three Hills RCMP (403-443-5539) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).
RCMP urged the public to use caution when buying through online classified ad sites.
When buying or selling, RCMP said, it’s recommended to meet the other party in person, preferably in a public place.
Never send or wire money without first receiving the product advertised, RCMP said, nor should one give out personal and or banking information over the internet.
RCMP also advised the public to be aware of common scams. Anyone believing he or she may be a victim of an online fraud should report it both to local police and to the security department of the website in question. — AGCanada.com Network
