Halifax RCMP warning about online marketplace scams
Posted Dec 17, 2021 04:33:00 PM.
Halifax RCMP is warning people of online marketplace scams after receiving “several reports” recently from victims.
“Police want people to know that anyone can be the victim of a scam, and it's important to view all purchases with a critical eye at all times,” a news release says.
The RCMP says the reports include instances where people have used online marketplaces to purchase items such as pets, vehicles and appliances.
In the cases, the victims will send money to the seller and make an arrangement to meet.
However, the address ends up being invalid and the seller stops communicating with the victim.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, there are various other scams that have recently been circulating.
These include a merchandise scam where fraudsters will create websites claiming to have concert and event tickets at lower prices; schemes where Canadians who own timeshares are contacted with offers to sell their timeshare; and various COVID-19-related scams such as counterfeit vaccine passports and fake online ads for in-demand products.
More information on frauds and scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website and Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker website.
“You can also contact your local RCMP or police for advice if you feel you've been victimized,” says the news release.
