Fraud suspect charged after repeat buy-and-sell scheme

Edmonton police are warning the public after charging a man in connection with a series of fraudulent online buy-and-sell transactions in Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

Ryan Kenzie, 46, was convicted of nine fraud-related offences that occurred between late April and mid-October 2025. In each incident, he contacted individuals selling items such as phones, watches, or jewellery, arranged to meet them in person, and left with the item after convincing the seller he'd sent payment by e-transfer. The transfers were never sent.

After serving his sentence, Kenzie was released into the community on probation. Police say he was shortly thereafter charged with fraud involving the same type of scheme. An arrest warrant has been issued and remains outstanding.

"The repeated nature of these incidents suggests this individual may have targeted many more people," said Const. Emily Kostuik of the EPS West Branch. "By raising awareness, we hope to prevent others from falling victim to fraud and encourage anyone impacted to report it to police."

Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Kenzie to contact Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

The EPS is also encouraging buyers and sellers to use its designated Buy and Sell Exchange Zones — well-lit, monitored parking lots at various police station locations. Meeting at one of these sites can help deter fraud and provide peace of mind for both parties.

If you've been targeted by a similar scam or recognize this pattern, don't brush it off — report it. Online transactions move fast, but that's exactly when verification matters most.