Online Farm Sale Fraud
August 31, 2017 9:27am
Police are warning those selling items through on-line classifieds to be aware of fraudsters.
The latest involved selling farm equipment from a residence in Southwest Middlesex.
The seller used and on-line classifieds website to advertise 8 pieces of equipment, totalling $15,000. The seller then received an offer to purchase the equipment for the full asking price. However, the buyer requested that the seller cover the shipping costs up-front, approximately $1,000.
The seller sent nearly $1,000 to the fraudster using a money transfer service.
The victim never received the $15,000 to complete the sale.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that those who sell online are susceptible to becoming victims.