Northern Prairie craft fair exposed as a scam; RCMP warn Alberta vendors
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP warn vendors of a scam using a fake ‘Northern Prairie Craft, Food & Vendor Fair’ advertised June 26–28 at the Dow Centennial Centre.
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP issue public warning
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP issued a public warning Wednesday after discovering an advertised craft fair that they say is fraudulent.
The Mounties warned Alberta vendors not to sign up for the Northern Prairie Craft, Food & Vendor Fair, which was being promoted as a three‑day event.
The force said the listing was confirmed to be a scam intended to defraud both vendors and the rental facility.
Police urged anyone who received correspondence or paid fees through the event’s Eventbrite link to treat the listing as illegitimate and to withhold payments.
Event dates and venue were used without authorization
The advertising promoted the event as taking place June 26–28 at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan.
RCMP said the date-and-venue claims were part of the deception and that the Dow Centennial Centre was not an organizer of the market.
Officials cautioned that scammers often use reputable venue names to lend credibility to fake listings.
That tactic can persuade small business owners and independent crafters to commit quickly to secure a table or booth.
Scammers relied on fake online listings and payment pages
Investigators said the scheme used an Eventbrite link to collect vendor fees and contact information.
Police noted that fake or impersonated ticketing pages are a common tool for fraudsters seeking immediate payments.
Organizers that pressure vendors to pay via unfamiliar links or that provide incomplete contact details should be treated with suspicion.
RCMP emphasized that legitimate markets typically confirm bookings through venue channels and provide verifiable contact information.
Potential losses for small vendors highlighted
Local artisans and small‑scale food vendors are particularly vulnerable because they often accept low-cost opportunities to sell their goods.
Losses can include booth fees, nonrefundable inventory expenses, and lost time preparing for an event that does not exist.
There is also reputational harm if buyers attempt to locate a vendor at a promised market and find no event.
RCMP warned that beyond immediate financial loss, victims can face difficulties recovering funds from online payment platforms.
Steps vendors can take to verify events
Vendors should confirm bookings directly with the advertised venue before submitting payment to a third-party link.
Checking the official website or calling the venue’s main line can quickly verify whether an event is legitimate.
Requesting a contract or written confirmation that includes the venue’s booking reference number is prudent.
Organizers who decline to provide verifiable details or who demand immediate payment via unfamiliar channels should be treated cautiously.
How and where to report suspected fraud
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is asked to report the incident to local police.
RCMP also directed victims to contact the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre for reporting and guidance at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by calling 1‑888‑495‑8501.
Documenting conversations, screenshots of listings and payment confirmations will help investigators and fraud‑resolution processes.
Vendors who paid with a credit card or through a payment processor should contact their provider promptly to inquire about chargeback or fraud protection options.
Final paragraph: The Fort Saskatchewan warning underscores a broader trend of online impersonation and marketplace scams that target small businesses and community events, and police say vigilance and simple verification steps can reduce the risk of falling prey to similar schemes.
