South Simcoe Police are warning the public about online scams after successfully recovering $11,500 stolen in a Facebook Marketplace fraud.
Earlier this month, a local resident was tricked into paying for a vehicle they believed was being sold by a trusted friend. The scammer had stolen the friend’s Facebook identity to post a fake ad.
Thankfully, the stolen funds were fully recovered — a rare success in online fraud cases.
Police are advising caution when making online purchases. Follow these safety tips to help protect yourself from online fraud and scams:
Verify the seller’s identity – If you see an ad from someone you know, contact them directly by phone or in person to confirm it is really them and the ad is real.
Be cautious with payments – Avoid sending money via e-transfer, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
Meet at a safe location – If possible, complete transactions in person at a public place.
Look for warning signs – Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, fraudsters prey on the ‘fear of missing out.” If something seems too good to be true… it usually is!
