Trail RCMP is warning residents of social media fraud following a report of a local man being scammed out of $2798.
Police were notified on Friday, February 14, after the man listed an item for sale on a social media website, in which a potential buyer offered to purchase the item.
The buyer sent an email that appeared to be from a bank to ‘pay’ for the item.
The email was a ruse that tricked the man into entering his banking information after clicking a link in the email. And error the man later discovered when the money was withdrawn from his bank account.
This money is not recoverable nor is the man covered by his financial institution after he disclosed personal banking information to the scammer.
“Scammers will create emails that look like they come from a legitimate business. Never click on the links and enter any personal banking information to receive payment. This is almost always a scam. Electronic money transfers from sales on social media market places do not require you to give the buyer any personal banking information.” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“If you prefer to deal in person and in cash to help avoid online scams, you can use the Trail and Greater District Detachment front parking lot to meet prospective buyers.”
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