Press Release: Wellington County OPP, May 5, 2026.
TOWN OF MINTO – Police are warning residents after a fraud attempt in Minto.
On April 30, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a member of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an attempted fraud at an address outside of Harriston.
The victim reported that after listing their vehicle for sale on an online marketplace, an individual posing as a buyer expressed their interested in buying the vehicle for the listed price. Arrangements were made for the suspect to attend later that day, at which time the victim provided their address.
The suspect arrived at the victim’s residence, accompanied by one other individual. Shortly into a test drive, the vehicle began billowing black smoke. Upon inspection they discovered oil covering the engine and inside the tail pipe. The suspect subsequently offered to purchase the vehicle for significantly less than the original asking price, which the victim declined.
The victim believes the suspect tampered with the vehicle at some point before the test drive in an attempt to acquire it for a lower price.
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.
