Fraudster Targeting Online Sellers in Brampton

If you frequently sell goods online, there’s a scam that police think you should be aware of.

If you frequently sell goods online, there’s a scam that police think you should be aware of.

The Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau recently warned the public to be aware of an ongoing US currency scam that targets residents selling goods online. According to police, the suspect contacts victims and coordinates online transactions using buy and sell websites. The suspect then pays for his goods with counterfeit U.S. currency.

The suspect is described as a black male with an average build who is 18-20 years of age.

According to police, there has been an increase in the use of counterfeit US currency in the last couple of months in the region.

Although most online transactions take place without incident, buyers and sellers who exchange goods for money via websites should keep a few safety tips in mind when engaging in transactions.

Police are advising residents to utilize Brampton and Mississauga’s newly implemented Buy and Sell Exchange Zones. Brampton residents can use the zone at the 22 Division headquarters (7750 Hurontario Street) and Mississauga buyers and sellers can use the zone at Peel police’s 12 Division station (4600 Dixie Road).

Police are also advising residents to:

• Refrain from giving out potentially sensitive personal information
• To meet in public places (meeting at your home is not recommended)
• To avoid giving out banking and credit card information 
• To be wary of accepting foreign currency as payment.

Anyone with information or who may be a victim of this type of fraud is asked to contact investigators with the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word ‘PEEL’ and then your tip.

To learn more about this type of scam and other fraud scams currently affecting Canadians, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca