Lloydminster RCMP reminds public to be safe with online marketplaces

Lloydminster, Alta. — The Lloydminster RCMP Detachment has received several complaints from the public involving fraudulent sales via online marketplaces, including Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. While a variety of scams have been reported, the most common one is the "overpayment scam."

Sellers list products for sale, and the scammers are sending more money than the product is worth, usually using a real-looking cashier's cheque or using an online payment service. In turn, they ask the sellers to use the difference to pay for shipping or, more likely, asking the overpayment returned as a gift card.

Another common scam involves putting a deposit or a down payment on an item - such as furniture, or heavy machinery - and once the scammer receives the money, they no longer respond to the buyer. This scam has been recently reported to the Lloydminster RCMP. 

Lloydminster RCMP would like to pass along some safety tips to keep you safe when utilizing online markets:

• Always meet in person in a well lit public space. This protects you as a buyer and a seller.  
• Use a trusted e-transfer service or cash. Do not accept a cheque from someone you don't know. Cheques can take multiple days to clear, and you are responsible for any fees associated with the fake cheque.
• Ask questions. Ask to see the item before you purchase it. 
• Do not send a deposit or a down payment until you meet in person and are satisfied with the product you are purchasing. 
• If you are planning on buying a used phone, ask the seller to unlock it. Inspect the box and inspect the SIM card holder, have the seller send you the IMEI number to verify that the phone hasn't been lost or stolen; this can be obtained by dialling #06# on the phone being sold.

"If it's too good to be true, it probably is," says Const. Michael Hagel. "The Lloydminster Detachment is staffed 24/7; please feel free to use the Detachment's parking lot to conduct any transactions."

RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to the police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.