Advertised Fort Saskatchewan Craft Fair Deemed a Scam by RCMP

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Fort Saskatchewan have issued a warning regarding a craft fair advertised to take place from June 26 to June 28. The event, promoted as the Northern Prairie Craft, Food & Vendor Fair, is being flagged as a scam designed to defraud local artisans.

According to the RCMP, the advertised event is entirely fake. The booking facility has confirmed the scam, and at least one vendor who booked a table through an Eventbrite listing has already been defrauded. The fake event was promoted with promises of high foot traffic, expecting over 3,500 visitors daily, and space for more than 150 vendors.

The advertisement detailed various offerings, including handcrafted goods, artwork, fashion items, home décor, specialty foods, and beverages. Vendors were charged fees ranging from $100 to $140 per day depending on the space size and type of business, with specific rates for drink vendors and food trucks. The host was listed as "Epic Events Center," with inquiries directed to theemail theultimatevendorfest@gmail.com.

Police are urging anyone unsure about a potential scam to consult the Government of Canada's website for information on common scam types. Victims of fraud are advised to report the incident to their local law enforcement agency and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If personal or financial information has been compromised, individuals should also contact their bank and credit card company immediately.