An Oak Bay resident is out $375 after a fake online purchase.
The resident bought something from a seller on Facebook Marketplace via an e-transfer and was sent to a Langford residence for pickup, Oak Bay police said in its weekly news release.
When the Oak Bay resident arrived, the Langford resident knew nothing about the sale.
When the buyer went back to check the ad, it had been removed and all communication with the seller stopped.
Police in general recommend conducting transactions in person, in public and in cash. To send deposits to hold items and remember social media accounts can be faked or compromised.
As of March 31, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has processed 10,735 reports of fraud with 7,908 victims losing $123 million.
For more information, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
