The Upper Ottawa Valley detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is investigating an advance payment scam reported on Feb. 14.
Police say an area resident was defrauded while attempting to purchase a used item through an online marketplace. The victim allegedly agreed to send an e-transfer before meeting the seller. After being directed to a false address, the seller stopped responding and no item was received.
Officers are reminding the public never to pay for goods before receiving them and to be wary of sellers who create urgency or request deposits. Police recommend verifying seller profiles and meeting in busy public locations, including designated Safe Trade parking spaces at the Pembroke OPP detachment.
Investigators also advise bringing a friend, conducting transactions during daylight hours and keeping all communications.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted is asked to contact local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre.ca.
(Richard Evans)