Take many precautions when shopping for bargains on Marketplace, Saguenay Police have noticed a clear increase in fraud on this sales site.
• Also read: Marketplace: Here are two common scams
• Also read: The trailer scam, a well organized scam
“Appliances for sale: $900,” Carl Fortin’s daughter thought she was getting a good deal, and the salesman put some pressure on her.
“He told her there was a lot of interest,” Fortin said. He asked for a $200 deposit, which my daughter sent him via Interac to the email address provided. He took the money and didn’t respond to messages after that, but the items were still on sale.”
“It’s a very popular site for selling or buying used cars,” said Saguenay police spokesman Luc Tardif.
The police have registered more and more such scams.
The profiteers leave the item for sale even after making an initial deposit hoping to increase victims.
“In this case, it is a young woman of 21 who is the victim. It’s sad,” lamented Mr Fortin.
He found the thief and introduced himself as the buyer.
“I refused to pay him a deposit and instead told him I wanted to see the items first,” he explained. He later called me back on my cell phone and when I asked if it was electronics he hung up immediately.
“I called back but his number got disconnected and he also blocked me from our Marketplace call,” Mr Fortin said.
Saguenay police apparently advise against accepting bail.
“You can request a meeting to see the articles and in a public place to be safer,” suggested Luc Tardif.
As he was used to Marketplace selling as well as buying, Mr Fortin lodged a complaint with the police.
The Saguenay police had already considered the possibility of setting up a space where sellers and buyers could meet without fear.
The wave of complaints could revive the project.