(BLUEWATER, ON) A Bluewater resident is out $13,000 after falling victim to an online fraud. Huron OPP received report of the fraud on January 24, 2013. The victim reported he was shopping online for a Dodge Ram Power Wagon pickup truck. He located a truck on an online website for $13,000 and entered into a transaction via email to purchase the truck. The victim was directed to an online escrow account service and was instructed to fill out some forms in order to initiate payment to the seller. The funds were electronically deposited from the victim’s bank account to the sellers account located in Madrid, Spain. The victim was informed his vehicle would arrive five days later.
The victim later attempted to locate the online advertisement and the link to the online escrow service however was unable to do so as they had been removed by the scammer.
The victim also attempted to have his bank stop payment on the transactions however the money was long gone.
Some fraud protection tips are offered below:
Consumers are encouraged to deal with companies or individuals that they know by reputation or from past experience. If you are not familiar with a particular company, independently verify their physical address and phone number.
If the seller only wants to communicate via email this may be an indication of a fraud.
Be aware of online escrow sites, most are FRAUDULENT. If directed from a website to another escrow website be very cautious as the website you have been directed to is quite likely spoofed.
Low prices that make the deal seem too good to be true may be an indicator of fraud.
Scammers will often create fraudulent postings on legitimate websites and will utilize logos and brand names as a form of reassurance, be careful.
If purchasing online, verify the fraud coverage with the payment method that you choose to use. Using a credit card is often the most secure method for a customer.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca
