Comox Valley RCMP is warning the public about a growing scam targeting sellers on Facebook Marketplace, resulting in nearly $10,000 in reported losses since the beginning of the year.
Between Jan. 7 and Jan. 23, Comox Valley RCMP received multiple reports from individuals who believed they had received e-transfers for items they were selling online. In reality, the transactions were fraudulent, leading to unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts. In some cases, scammers even altered victims鈥� personal banking details.
How the scam works:
- The seller receives what appears to be an e-transfer.
- When they attempt to accept the payment, they unknowingly approve a withdrawal instead.
- In some cases, scammers access the seller鈥檚 account and change personal information.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify payments: Always log into your bank account separately to confirm an e-transfer is fully received before handing over an item.
- Be cautious with links: Avoid clicking on email or text links to accept payments. Instead, access your banking app or website directly.
- Use secure transactions: Consider meeting in person for cash payments or using trusted online payment methods.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check for unauthorized transactions or changes to your banking details.
For more information on merchandise scams, please see the fraud alert issued by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here:
