RCMP warn of ‘sleight of hand’ cash swap scam targeting online marketplace sellers in Richmond

Designated exchange zones are set up for in-person transactions outside the Richmond RCMP detachments on No. 5 Road and Granville Avenue. (Richmond RCMP)

Mounties are warning online marketplace sellers about a so-called “sleight of hand” cash scam after a buyer allegedly swapped envelopes during a cash transaction in Richmond.

Richmond RCMP said the latest distraction theft happened during an in-person meetup after communicating through an online platform.

Authorities did not disclose what item was being sold, only that it was of high value.

During the encounter, police said the buyer presented an envelope containing the agreed-upon amount in cash and handled it multiple times while the pair discussed the sale.

The seller then handed over the item and was given back what appeared to be the same envelope.

Mounties said it wasn’t until after the exchange that the seller realized the envelope had been switched and no longer contained the full amount of money.

“We see this type of crime surface from time to time, which involves distracting a seller and then covertly swapping envelopes,” Cpl. Frank Bryson said in a news release Thursday. “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.”

Bryson added that designated exchange zones have been set up for in-person transactions outside the Richmond RCMP detachments on No. 5 Road and Granville Avenue.

“If someone is unwilling or reluctant to conduct a transaction at the police station, that should be considered a red flag,” he said.