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Fraud Friday: Merchandise scams

In this type of scam, the seller (you) will receive a reply either by email or text message from a scammer looking to purchase your product
Scam
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NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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Todays 'Fraud Friday' is about sale of merchandise scams. Whether you are a business or an individual selling merchandise online you need to be aware that not all offers received are good and honest ones.

How it works:

In this type of scam, the seller (you) will receive a reply either by email or text message from a scammer looking to purchase your product. The scammer will then proceed with transferring fake payment(s) to your account, paying with stolen credit cards or with fraudulent cheques.

In some situations, you aren't just out the item you sold but you are also out money; through overpayment by the fraudster or shipping charges for the product.

Warning signs - How to protect yourself:

  • Agree on price - scammers will not low ball you and will even offer to pay more if you immediately remove the ad from the website.
  • Beware of overpayments with a request to send additional 
    funds to a shipping agent.
  • Use of the word item instead of what the item is that you're selling (very generic conversation).
  • Authenticate payments before shipping the goods.

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