NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE
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Homecoming scam?
On Sept. 20, 2016 the Guelph Police received the report from a University of Guelph student that they had transferred money online to purchase a Homecoming ticket via Facebook but failed to receive the ticket.
These days, people can buy or sell almost anything over the Internet. Unfortunately, criminals can use the anonymity of the Internet to rip off unsuspecting buyers and sellers.
As a buyer you should:
- Try to avoid paying by money transfers - they are not secure.
- Be careful when using direct banking transactions to pay for goods. Make sure transactions are secure.
- Don’t send confidential personal or financial information by email.
- Consider using an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
As a seller you should:
- Be wary of accepting payment by cheque. Even though it may clear, you are still liable if the cheque is forged or stolen.
- Don’t accept a cheque for a higher amount and refund the difference. This is a common fraud that only comes to light when the buyers’ cheque turns out to be stolen or forged.
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