Fraudsters and scammers are finding new ways to target unsuspecting victims and swindle them out of their hard earned money.
The latest scam targets people looking to purchase an item from Facebook or Kijiji and a request for a deposit by e-transfer to hold the item, with the buyer then disappearing with the money.
“Drumheller RCMP have noticed an increase in Facebook and Kijiji frauds lately,” says Drumheller RCMP acting Sergeant, Corporal Alex MacDonald. “We would like to remind the public not to send money to strangers on these buy and sell platforms when asked for a deposit to hold the item.”
Cpl. MacDonald further adds when arranging to meet with a seller or buyer for an online sale, to ensure it is done in a populated area and recommends bringing a friend or family member.
Some detachments, including the Three Hills detachment, have begun offering a Safe Exchange Zone to give area residents a safe place to exchange items bought or sold online, child custody exchanges, or other face-to-face meetings.
