HUMBOLDT — Buyer or seller beware.
The Humboldt-Lanigan RCMP issued a warning that they're dealing with more internet buy and sell scams.
"Scammers are constantly creating fake ads and social media profiles online," the police said in a media release. "They will even use social media profiles that have been stolen from victims of identity fraud."
On the buying side, one scam has the scammer request deposits for an item that's ultimately never delivered.
"Scammers will sometimes even provide pickup addresses or locations to meet after a deposit is sent in an attempt to appear more legitimate. Never send money to strangers on the internet, especially as a deposit for a promised item," the RCMP said. "Always meet a seller at a safe public location and verify that the item you are purchasing is real before providing any form of payment."
Those selling can also be victims of a scam.
"If you are selling an item online, be aware that scammers will attempt to leave you without your item by claiming to be located out of town and offering to buy the item unseen. They may offer above the asking price or offer to pay shipping to have the item delivered. When it comes time to pay, they will use various tactics to avoid paying or their payment will bounce after the item if out of your hands," the police said.
Once again, meet with the person at a safe public location and verify that their payment is legitimate before turning over your item.
RCMP said that often, money sent to scammers is sent outside of the country, where Canadian police services have little to no authority in getting it back to the victim.
More information about scams can be found at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Those that are a victim of a scam are asked to contact the Humboldt-Lanigan RCMP at 306-682-2535.
