Victoria police are desperately trying to track down the poster of a UsedVictoria.com classified ad offering up a baby, “free to a good home.”

VicPD spokesperson Const. Mike Russell said the force was notified about the post at 10:30 a.m. Monday and an investigation was immediately launched.

While investigators believe the post may be a hoax, they aren’t taken any chances.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our children,” said Russell. “Even if we have word that it might be a hoax, we can’t not investigate it. We’re trying to learn if there is potentially a child at risk.”

Russell says the post has been taken off UsedVictoria.com at the request of police.

The IP address of the poster doesn’t originate on Vancouver Island, and Victoria police are working with other agencies to track down the person responsible for the classified ad.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Victoria police.