Small businesses in Edmonton defrauded of over $10K, 1 charged: police

Kelsey Elliot (Credit: Edmonton Police Service)

A woman has been charged after five small businesses reported fraud since January.

Police say in each incident, a woman asked for goods and services from local businesses, including a chiropractor, restaurant, and a home organization company.

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The woman reportedly paid for the items and services with fraudulent forms of payment, including a stolen credit card, a defunct credit card, and cheques from bank accounts with insufficient funds.

When approached by the businesses for payment, the woman allegedly promises to pay with an e-transfer but never sends the money.

To date, two businesses have lost over $10,000.

Police are still investigating other reports.

Kelsey Elliott, 31, has been charged with:

• two counts of fraud under $5,000;
• fraud over $5,000; and
• three counts of theft and breach of probation.

She has since been released from custody.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who has dealt with Elliott to contact them at 780-423-4567.

Police say anyone who is approached by Elliott should not provide her with goods and services unless they can verify an acceptable form of payment.