A word to the wise from Chatham-Kent Police with another scam making the rounds.
Authorities received a report this past Friday from a person who was selling a pair of hunting bows online. The victim received a message from a potential buyer, agreeing to the price and offering to pay with a certified cheque.
Police say the seller received a FedEx envelope with the payment for $1000 more than the agreed price, supposedly from a reputable bank, but it was later discovered the document was a fake.
To protect yourself from similar fraudulent activities, please consider the following tips:
- Exercise caution with overpayments: Be suspicious if a buyer offers to pay more than the agreed-upon amount and requests a refund of the excess money. Verify the authenticity of any payments before proceeding.
- Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conduct thorough research and be cautious before engaging in online transactions.
- Use secure payment platforms: Utilize reputable and secure online payment services that protect buyers and sellers. These platforms can provide an added layer of security.
- Limit personal information sharing: Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information with unknown individuals. Minimize the risk of identity theft or fraud by providing limited details during online transactions.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter suspicious or fraudulent transactions, promptly contact your local police department and provide them with all relevant information. Reporting these incidents can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.