RCMP: Protect from online fraud

Kindersley RCMP reminds the public to protect themselves from fraud when buying and selling items online

Kindersley RCMP officers have received recent reports of fraud connected to online buy/sell groups on social media. Victims report they are asked to e-transfer a deposit to hold a desired item. Once they do, the ‘seller’ blocks contact with them.

If you are a victim of a similar fraud, please report it to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

Keep safety and security in mind when using buy/sell sites or groups:

• Don’t pay for or send a deposit for an item you have not seen.

• Do not give out personal or banking information to the buyer or seller.

• Take screenshots of the advertisement, the seller’s contact information and your communications with them.

• If meeting in-person, complete the transaction during daylight hours and in a public place with other people around.

• Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If something seems suspicious about the buyer/seller, trust your instincts and walk away.

• Inform the buy/sell site of any fraud or suspicious activity.

Between January 9th to January 15th, Kindersley RCMP responded to 37 calls for service*. These calls included, but were not limited to, 3 traffic collisions, 3 uttering threats complaints and 1 assault.

If you have any information in regards to this break enter or other crimes in the area, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or your local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

*For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.