Girl Guide cookie scam circulating in Ontario

Girl Guide cookies are back, but an online scam is souring sales.

A long standing tradition, which started in 1927 in Canada, Girl Guides sell the boxed cookies to support activities, camp, events and training for Guiding leaders. The cookies are a main fundraising tool.

Groups are starting to sell mint cookies this month, but online scams have been reported in British Columbia and Ontario.

Scammers have been soliciting for e-transfers to purchase the cookies through social media or charging higher prices in British Columbia, according to news reports.

In Ontario, the Girl Guides of Canada — Sault Ste. Marie posted a warning about the scam.

“Heads up, everyone! It’s come to my attention that some folks in the area are posting about cookie sales in an untruthful way,” the group posted.

A community Facebook group also warned about a fake post, which looks like it could be from a real parent.

“Both of my daughters will be selling again and were [SIC] on a mission for our top cookie seller(s) badge, also to help put money back into their units,” the post reads.

It shows photos of the cookies and asks for funds.

A scam post was outed in Sault Ste. Marie.

The community group removed the post and warned people not to send money. The person who posted is not affiliated with Girl Guides.

Marathon, Ontario chapters have posted similar warnings online, and a scam warning was posted in the spring in South Frontenac, Ontario.

“Pay upon delivery only or e-transfer only when you meet with the seller,” one warning suggested.

Those who want to buy cookies should check for an official source. Girl Guides Canada has an online map that shows where people can buy the cookies in their community.