Norfolk Resident Loses $16,000 In An Online Vehicle Scam

Saturday, 20 April 2019 09:06

The OPP are warning all Norfolk county residents to be extremely vigilant when searching web sites with items posted for sale after a resident was the victim of a scam last Friday.

NORFOLK COUNTY - A Norfolk resident lost $16,000 after falling victim to a vehicle scam.

Last Friday, the Norfolk OPP received a call from a resident reporting a fraud. The resident had been trying to buy a vehicle they found online and after a price for the vehicle was negotiate the victim sent over $16,000. Red flags were raised when the vehicle never arrived at the specified time. More red flags came after the victim was unable to get in contact with the seller. The police were called.

The OPP are warning all Norfolk County residents to be extremely vigilant when searching web sites with items posted for sale. Some scam artists use stolen photos in their ads, claiming they are pictures of vehicles for sale. Actually, the seller does not have the vehicle that he/she is trying to sell. The seller will ask for money in advance and refer the unsuspecting person to a money wiring service. The buyer waits for few days and when they do not receive the vehicle, attempt to contact the seller, receiving no answer.

In order to avoid these types of scams, remember the following general words of advice:

- Know whom you are dealing with - independently confirm your seller's name, street, address, and telephone number.
- Resist pressure to "act now." If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
- If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out to be sure it is reliable - check its Web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
- NEVER wire money or use a bank-to-bank transfer in a transaction.
- ALWAYS try to deal locally when buying or selling an automobile or other high-value merchandise
- DO NOT sell or buy a car from someone who is unable or unwilling to meet you face to face.
- NEVER buy a car that you have not seen in real life and had inspected by a professional.

Inspector Joseph Varga says fraud continues to be a growing concern in Norfolk County.

"The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County detachment continues to receive reports from residents stating they have been or attempted to be defrauded. Don't be a victim. Fraud is a multi-billion dollar enterprise that will only stop when the scammers stop getting money, banking information or personal information."