Internet shoppers from across the globe have allegedly been swindled out of more than $30,000 by an Okotoks couple.

RCMP yesterday executed a search warrant on a home in the town south of Calgary and charged a man and woman with 26 counts of fraud.

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Patrick Webb said the accusations of fraud against the couple began in July 2003 with a man from the U.S.

The North Dakota resident reported the couple to Okotoks RCMP after he sent US$1,150 for a notebook computer that never materialized.

"They hoped that person would eventually give up and go away," Webb said about those behind the scam.

Since then, 25 other claims of fraud have been made against the couple from around the world, said Webb.

The victims, who come from Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the U.K., participated in online auctions through eBay or responded to advertisements on websites that facilitate buy-sell activity, said Webb. He said the victims made themselves vulnerable to fraud by sending payment directly to the seller's bank account.

More than $30,000 was pocketed through the alleged scam, which involved digital cameras, electric guitars, portable music devices and a plasma TV, said Webb.

Aaron William Vassie, 33, and Christa Nicole Vassie, 29, have been charged with 26 counts of fraud. Both are set to appear May 1 in court.

Source: Here