Police said two people in Grande Prairie have been charged, months after investigators started receiving complaints over an online scam, which a number of people are believed to have fallen victim to.

Grande Prairie RCMP said the investigation started in March, after officers received complaints of fraud where victims were losing substantial amounts of money to a scheme.

It’s alleged the suspects were posting an ad on Kijiji, advertising a property available to rent – the suspects would present themselves as the property manager or the rental agent, and then meet with the prospective tenants to fill out and sign a lease or rental agreement.

RCMP said the suspects would pressure the victims to pay a sum of money to hold the rental without seeing it, by telling them the property would be rented quickly – the suspects would also reportedly ask for a damage deposit by e-mail transfer or cash.

Now, RCMP have arrested and charged Cyndi Kennedy, 34, and Brandon Franklin Smith, 28.

At this point, RCMP said the pair is facing 28 counts of theft under $5,000, and one count of theft over $5,000 – it’s believed the couple is responsible for scamming people out of about $36,000.

The couple has since been released on recognizance; they’re scheduled to appear in court June 20.

RCMP believe there may be more victims, they’re asking anyone who may have been targeted to call Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701.