Facebook Marketplace fraud alert

West Shore

2023-09-28 14:11 PDT

File # 2023-18218

The West Shore RCMP has received numerous reports of fraud taking place on Facebook Market Place.

The fraud consists of a seller listing an item for sale and requesting the buyer e-transfer a deposit to hold the item for sale. When the buyer tries to collect the item, they are defrauded of their money as the item is never produced.

"We wish to warn the public of this type of fraud. There is always a risk to buying items online especially from sellers you don’t know," said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you are purchasing items online from Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms:

• Check the seller reviews;
• Pay for the item in person and inspect what you are buying;
• Pay in cash and avoid e-transfer ahead of time;
• Do not pay a holding deposit fee;
• Meet the seller in a public place.

Released by:

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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