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West Shore RCMP warns people selling items online about scam

In the scam, a “buyer” contacts the seller and sends a cheque or money order for a much larger amount than the item is selling for, then requests the balance back.
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Police advise online sellers to refuse money orders and cheques and ask for e-transfers or cash instead.

West Shore RCMP is warning people selling items online about a scam, after several complaints in the last few days.

The scam begins after someone places an online ad to sell something. A “buyer” contacts the seller and sends a cheque or money order for a much larger amount than the item is selling for.

The “buyer” then asks the seller to cash the cheque or money order, deposit what is owed to his or her account and send the extra via a wire or e-transfer to a third-party account.

It later turns out that the cheque or money order was fraudulent and the seller is out the so-called extra money.

“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.

Police advised online sellers to refuse money orders and cheques and ask for e-transfers or cash instead.

jbell@timescolonist.com