2 people charged in Facebook Marketplace fraud targeting people across Ontario

Two people face charges in connection to a Facebook Marketplace fraud targeting victims across Ontario.

Orillia OPP said a resident reported the fraud after attempting to buy an item on Facebook Marketplace in October, OPP said in a press release on Jan. 5.

The resident sent a deposit for the item and then never heard from the seller again, police said.

Since this first report in October police found more victims.

This type of fraud has been circulating around Ontario for more than a year. In late 2022, a moving scam post appeared on several Mississauga community Facebook groups. The post included photos of high-priced items listed for sale because the person was moving.

But when people contacted the seller, they were asked for deposits to hold the items.

In the Orillia investigation, police charged two people on Dec. 30.

Crystal Davies, 28, from Barrie was charged with fraud under $5,000.

Justin Hawkins, 30, from Barrie was also charged with fraud under $5,000.

Both were held for a bail hearing and later released from custody.

Anyone with information on this investigation or if you may be a victim, please contact Orillia OPP Major Crime Unit at (705) 326-3536 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 upon an arrest.

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