Beware of online overpayment scams

West Shore

2022-12-08 13:20 PST

File # 2022-21161

In the past few days West Shore RCMP has received numerous complaints regarding overpayment scams.

The scam works like this: you place a legitimate add online to sell an item. A buyer contacts you and sends you a cheque or money order for a much larger amount than your item is listed for. The buyer then asks you to cash the cheque and deposit what your owed into your own account and send the extra (via e-transfer or wire), into an 3rd party account (belonging to them).

Days later once the cheque is processed, its determined to be fraudulent and you are now out some of your own money that you sent to the buyer thinking it was extra. "We see scams like this year-round and we want the public to be extra cautious around the holiday season when it comes to online buying and selling of goods", said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer. 

Here are some tips to help protect yourself from these types of scams:

• Beware of buyer’s who send more money than you are asking for;
• Refuse money orders and cheques;
• Ask for e-transfers or cash.

For more information on scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or click here.

Released by

Cpl. Nancy Saggar

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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