If you’re looking for bargains on Marketplace, take a lot of precautions. The Saguenay Police Department has noted a marked increase in fraud on this sales site.
“Appliances for sale: $900”, Carl Fortin’s daughter thought she was getting a good deal, and the seller put a little pressure on her.
“He told her that there were a lot of interested buyers,” said Fortin. He asked for a deposit of 200 dollars, which my daughter sent to him by Interac to the given email address. He took the money, and after that he wouldn’t respond to messages, but the items were still on sale.”
“It’s a site that is very popular for selling or buying used,” reported Saguenay Police Department spokesperson Luc Tardif.
The police have recorded more and more such frauds. The profiteers leave the item for sale even after taking an initial deposit, hoping to multiply the victims.
“In this case, it is a young woman of 21 who is the victim. It’s sad,” lamented Mr. Fortin.
The latter managed to find the thief and presented himself to him as a buyer.
“I refused to give him a deposit, telling him instead that I wanted to see the articles first, he explained. He called me back later on my cell phone, and when I asked him if it was for appliances, he hung up immediately.
“I called back, but his number was disconnected, and he also blocked me from our Marketplace conversation,” said Mr. Fortin.
The Saguenay Police Department obviously advises against accepting a deposit.
“You can request a meeting to see the articles, and in a public place to be safer,” suggested Luc Tardif.
Accustomed to Marketplace as much to sell as to buy goods, Mr. Fortin filed a complaint with the police.
The Saguenay Police Department had already considered the possibility of setting up a space so that sellers and buyers could meet without any fear. The wave of complaints could revive the project.