The Richmond RCMP is warning the public following a report of a theft involving sleight-of-hand during an online marketplace cash transaction.

Recently, a complainant reported having arranged to meet a buyer in a public location to sell an item of high value after meeting through an online platform.

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At the meeting, the buyer produced an envelope containing the cash payment.

During 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 they believed contained the cash payment that had been counted.

After the exchange was completed, the complainant reported discovering that the envelope had been switched and did not contain the correct amount of money. The buyer had already left.

“We see this type of crime surface from time to time, which involves distracting a seller and then covertly swapping envelopes,” said Cpl. 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… If someone is unwilling or reluctant to conduct a transaction at the police station, that should be considered a red flag.”

The Richmond RCMP has set up a designated “Exchange Zone” for carrying out transactions that come from online marketplace deals. There are two located outdoors at 11411 #5 Rd. and 6931 Granville Avenue. There is CCTV around the clock at both locations.