The West Shore RCMP is currently investigating an online scam in which they have received several calls about over the past few weeks.

This particular scam is taking place on Used.ca, and typically involves a scam artist posing as a buyer messaging the seller and offering e-transfer to buy or place a hold on the item for sale.

After the buyer accepts the e-transfer, it presents the seller with a few extra steps, like entering your bank account information in order to receive the money. In the background what’s actually taking place is the scam artist is rerouting money from the sellers account into their own, which essentially drains the sellers bank account.

The West Shore RCMP has received approximately five calls relating to this scam and has been in touch with Used.Ca who is now aware and in the process of notifying their subscribers.

West Shore RCMP offered the flowing tips to help you avoid and spot this type of scam and keep yourself safe online:

• Buyer appears overly eager and wants to place a hold on the item(s) for sale, they state they cannot pick up the items right away ie. I am moving and can’t come get the item;
• Buyer asks you to respond using your personal e-mail;
• Buyer insists on e-transfer payment using PayPal (which redirects you to a fraudulent link);
•  The buyer is relying on you to input your banking information using the fraudulent link they sent for e-transfer;
• A Seller can set up auto deposit, which will prevent you from having to input any banking information and protect your bank account.

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