RCMP Charges Woman for Frauds Involving Puppies

The RCMP charged 25-year-old Brittany Osborne on Friday afternoon and she now faces multiple charges after a number of reports of fraud involving the sale of puppies.

Police began an investigation in the fall of 2019, after receiving a number of reports of fraud from victims all across Canada.

The investigation led officers to identify the accused as Brittany Osborne of Harbour Grace. The victims, who were all looking for a certain breed of dog, were contacted by Osborne, who claimed she had what they were looking for.

The individuals were asked to send a deposit for the puppy in the form of an email money transfer.

Osborne in turn provided a picture of a hand-written receipt in the form of a text message. The deposits ranged from $300.00-$700.00. Sometimes, the contact stopped there and at other times Osborne requested further funds for veterinary costs. None of the victims received a puppy.

In two cases, Osborne used identification documentation, including a passport photograph and a Canadian Kennel Club Certificate, belonging to another individual, to identify herself to the victims as being a legitimate dog breeder.

On June 26, 2020, police executed a search warrant on Osborne’s residence and located a number of hand-written receipts. Anyone who suspects they were a victim and received a similar hand-written receipt as attached is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014 or their local police.

She is charged with eleven counts of fraud under $5000.00., two counts of identity fraud and ten counts of failing to comply with a condition of a court release order.

The investigation is continuing.