Online selling scams on the rise: Agassiz RCMP
Victims scammed out of money, items sold
The local RCMP detachment is noticing an uptick in online marketplace scams.
Sgt. Mike Sargent, the spokesperson for the Agassiz RCMP, said there has been a recent increase in fraud reports involving victims posting items for sale online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Kijiji. Sargent said the scammer contacts the victim, agreeing to pay for the item via E-transfer and providing an address to ship the item through Canada Post or a parcel delivery service.
The victim would then receive a notification that the E-transfer was in motion but that the funds were held until a tracking number could prove the item was shipped. The victim would then ship the item, providing a tracking number, but never receiving the agreed-upon funds.
“Typically, the address provided to ship the item to is that of an unknowing third party or business,” Sargent added.
Report suspicious activity to the Agassiz RCMP at 604-796-2211. For emergencies, dial 911.
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