Buyers, and Sellers, Beware; South Simcoe Police Saying Be Cautious During Transactions

Make Sure Meetings are in Public Places During The Day

The South Simcoe Police are renewing warnings of buying or selling stuff online.

The Service says it has received reports recently, involving both buyers and sellers on the site Kijiji, and are reminding folks of the old addage “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

South Simcoe Police advise you to make exchanges in busy, public places during the day. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and who you’re meeting with. Remember to specify when you should be expected back.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is also offering up a slew of tips for both buyers and sellers.

Warning signs for Buyers – How to protect yourself

  • Never make a deal outside the auction site, and be cautious of items offered through online classified ads for extremely low prices
  • Beware if there is limited or no feedback rating on sellers
  • Beware of sellers from overseas
  • Use a credit card when shopping online. Customers are offered protection and may receive a refund
  • Inspect the website thoroughly. Often counterfeit websites will contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors

Warning signs for Sellers – How to protect yourself

  • Always meet in a local, public and safe location to complete the exchange
  • Beware of generic emails with bad grammar
  • Beware of overseas buyers who want to buy sight unseen
  • Review all emails to ensure they are not spoofed
  • Never send money to get money
  • Do an open source search to see if anyone has reported the fraudulent seller
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