✅ POLICE WARN OF FRAUD TARGETING VENDORS SEEKING FAIR AND EVENT SPACES
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(ELMVALE, ON) – Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public about an ongoing fraud targeting individuals attempting to secure vendor spaces at local fairs and community events.
On Monday, July 27, 2026, police received a report from an individual who had been contacted via email regarding a vendor reservation for the Elmvale Fall Fair. The victim was instructed to submit payment via e-transfer to elmvalvefairinfo@gmail.com in order to secure a vendor space.
After the initial payment was sent, the victim was contacted again and asked to provide an additional amount, with the sender claiming there was a funding shortfall associated with the event. Police are asking anyone with information or has been a victim themselves to contact the Huronia West OPP.
The legitimate Elmvale Fall Fair has issued public warnings on its social media platforms and official website advising the public of this fraudulent activity.
The Huronia West OPP encourages vendors, businesses, and members of the public to exercise caution when arranging vendor spaces for fairs, festivals, and community events.
Before sending payment, always verify that communications are coming from an official event organizer through trusted contact information obtained from the event’s official website or social media channels. Be cautious of requests for immediate payment, additional unexpected fees, or communications originating from unofficial email addresses.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Huronia West OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud should report the incident to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501 or submitting a report online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Even if no financial loss has occurred, reporting fraud attempts helps investigators identify trends and prevent others from becoming victims.
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