NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(GUELPH/ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP, ON) – Police are warning residents after a fraud attempt in Rockwood.
On January 13, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a member of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an attempted fraud at an address in Rockwood.
The victim reported that after listing their vehicle for sale on an online marketplace, an individual posing as a buyer expressed their interest. When the suspect requested to come that evening for a test drive, the victim advised they were unavailable as they would be out for dinner. Arrangements were made for the suspect to attend the following day, at which time the victim provided their address.
The following day, the suspect arrived at the victim’s residence, accompanied by three other individuals. Shortly into their test drive, the vehicle began billowing black smoke. This seemed strange to the victim, as the vehicle was working properly the day prior. The suspect subsequently offered to purchase the vehicle for significantly less than the original asking price, which the victim declined.
After having a mechanic inspect the vehicle, it was apparent that the vehicle had been intentionally tampered with. The victim believes the suspect attended their residence while they were out for dinner the night before, entered their unlocked garage and tampered with the vehicle.
The victim then reported the incident to police and has since installed fencing and cameras on their property as a safety precaution.
The Wellington OPP is urging residents to be vigilant when selling vehicles privately. Fraudsters may attempt to distract sellers or attend their address in advance to tamper with a vehicle. Then, when the vehicle later appears to malfunction, the buyer may pressure the seller into accepting a significantly reduced price.
It is recommended that you never provide your address or personal details online to someone you don’t know and always meet in a local, public and safe place to complete an exchange. Wellington County OPP has designated “Safe Trade” parking spaces available at all three detachments in Rockwood, Fergus and Teviotdale. This is always an option if you are buying or selling anything online.
Anyone with relevant information, or who may have experienced a similar incident, is encouraged to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
