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Halifax Regional Police is sharing some tips to protect against online marketplace scams.
The Integrated Financial Crime Unit is continuing to receive reports of online marketplace scams. Police remind online shoppers that exercising a little caution can pay off in the long run:
- Browse the site for information on its policies, tips for safe transactions and reporting suspicious/fraudulent activity.
- Be cautious of anyone who asks for payment in advance of being able to verify that the item exists and that the seller is the legitimate owner.
- Do not give out personal or banking information over the phone, text message, email or the internet.
- When buying or selling, meet in person to see the product and exchange funds.
- Meet in well-lit and populated public places, like a coffee shop or grocery store parking lot during business hours.
- Agree to meet in a place that you are comfortable with; don’t be forced to accept a last-minute change in location.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will be back or take them along with you.
- If you own a cell phone, take it with you.
- Make sure to comply with COVID-19 public health regulations in relation to social distancing and masking.
Call police at 902.490.5016 if you've lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or through the RCMP’s online reporting system or call 1.888.495.8501.
More information and scam prevention tips are available at: