Prince Edward County OPP are warning people to be wary of online purchases as they investigate a fraud involving a common sales scam.
A victim sent a $1,000 deposit via etransfer to someone claiming to be selling a vehicle, however, there was never any vehicle for sale.
Police say frauds involving online classified ads often involve fake ads for vehicles, rental properties, and highly sought-after items with one of the most commons trends being a request for down payments on rental properties and vehicles.
Canada Revenue Agency offers these tips:
Know the market value of the product you’re buying or selling
Don’t trust extremely low or high offers
Beware of buyers and sellers that use urgency (i.e., requiring a deposit NOW)
Beware of buyers who offer to buy (or sell) an item without seeing the product first
Do an online search to see if anyone has already reported the fraudulent buyer or seller
Additionally, when buying a vehicle, buy from a reputable dealer, or if privately, arrange to meet with the seller so you may inspect the listed vehicle. Private sellers are also required to show a potential buyer the used vehicle information package for the vehicle. If the seller refuses to allow you to inspect the vehicle or information package, stop. It’s likely a fraud.
For more information on how to further protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
