Beware: Salmon Arm RCMP Alerts Community to Facebook Marketplace Scammer Cancelling e-Transfers!

Police are advising people to be careful when buying or selling items on Facebook Marketplace. Recent reports from Salmon Arm RCMP highlight several scams targeting sellers.

According to Const. Andrew Hodges, a fraudster, described as a 40-year-old white male, has been meeting sellers in Canoe and around 50th Street NE. This person typically targets e-bikes and e-scooters. Before meeting, he claims he has sent an e-transfer. However, sellers find the e-transfer is cancelled once they part with their items.

Hodges cautions that while e-transfers are easy, they also pose risks. “Be cautious when using them with strangers,” he said. “Only send or receive e-transfers if you’re prepared for the loss.” He recommends using cash instead, meeting in safe public places, and ensuring full payment before handing over the items.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier this year, Salmon Arm RCMP reported similar scams, such as a case where a seller thought he had received an e-transfer of $1,250 for a laptop. After allowing the “buyer” to leave with the laptop, the seller discovered the transfer never came through.

Experts suggest that online marketplaces are becoming popular targets for fraudsters. According to a recent survey by the Better Business Bureau, scams involving internet sales have increased by 29% over the past year. This highlights the need for both buyers and sellers to stay alert. Engaging in transactions through trusted methods and keeping communication within the platform can help reduce risks.

Overall, as online transactions continue to rise, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Learning from past incidents can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams.

For further information on avoiding online scams, consider visiting the Better Business Bureau.

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Marketplace|RCMP