Chatham-Kent police are alerting residents after a recent scam involving an online transaction.
A person selling two hunting bows through an online platform for $1,000 received a message from a potential buyer.
The buyer agreed to the price and said they would pay with a certified cheque.
After providing personal information requested by the buyer, the seller later received a FedEx envelope containing a check for $3,000 supposedly from a bank. Verification revealed the check was fraudulent, police said.
“This is a typical scam where fraudsters send overpayments via fake cheques, intending to deceive the recipient into sending back the excess amount along with the purchased item,” police said.
The seller in this incident did not suffer any financial or property losses, police said.
Police suggest the following tips:
- Exercise caution with overpayments. Be suspicious if a buyer offers to pay more than the agreed upon amount and requests a refund of the excess money. Verify the authenticity of any payments before proceeding.
- Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conduct thorough research and be cautious before engaging in online transactions.
- Use secure payment platforms: Use reputable and secure online payment services that protect buyers and sellers. These platforms can provide an added layer of security.
- Limit personal information sharing. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information. Minimize the risk of identity theft or fraud by providing limited details during online transactions.
- Report suspicious activity. If you encounter suspicious or fraudulent transactions, promptly contact your local police department and provide them with all relevant information. Reporting these incidents can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and share this information to create a safer online environment,” police said.