Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Darpan News Desk Vancouver Police, 18 Feb, 2022 02:46 PM
  • Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Vancouver Police are warning the public to be wary of scammers using Facebook Marketplace, after a VPD investigation revealed evidence of up to 50 victims.

“Don’t send money to anyone selling an item over Facebook Marketplace without meeting the person first or confirming they are a legitimate seller,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “Pick a safe public place, like a police station lobby, to meet up with anyone you’re planning to do business with.”

VPD Cybercrime Unit detectives have launched a series of investigations after one person came forward to report being scammed by people using Facebook Marketplace. Suspects posted items for sale and arranged meetings with potential buyers. Victims then agreed to e-transfer payment prior to meeting the suspects, who suddenly stopped communicating with the victims and never showed up to exchange goods.

The investigation led officers to a home in Surrey, where investigators last week executed a search warrant and seized, among other things, a loaded gun, various weapons, and documents linking the suspect to the Facebook scam.

“We believe suspects were using multiple bank accounts, fake names, and various phone numbers or emails to execute these frauds,” adds Constable Visintin. “Evidence obtained during these investigations suggest there are dozens of victims who have not yet come forward to police.”

Anyone who has fallen victim of this type of crime is asked to call 604-717-4034.

MORE National ARTICLES

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation
Interim chief Steve Bell says the plan is "deliberate and methodical" and police are in control on the ground, but clearing the area will take time. Police began enforcing against the protest on Thursday night, setting up about 100 checkpoints and arresting key organizers.

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers
Katrina Chen, B.C.'s minister of state for child care, announced Friday that $25.5 million will provide bursaries for students entering the field over the next three to four years.

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire
Denise O'Connor is back in Lytton, B.C., living in the home where she spent her childhood years. The fire on June 30 roared through Lytton just one day after the temperature in the village hit an all-time Canadian high of 49.6 C.

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire

Leaked data prompts news backlash in Canada, U.S.

Leaked data prompts news backlash in Canada, U.S.
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar sparked a Twitter firestorm earlier this week when she criticized an Ottawa Citizen story about a local business owner who was harassed after her $250 donation became public.

Leaked data prompts news backlash in Canada, U.S.

Canada is past peak of Omicron wave: top doctor

Canada is past peak of Omicron wave: top doctor
Wastewater surveillance also showed the wave is on its way down. Tam said that modelling indicated the true number of infections from Omicron during the wave has been much higher than reported.

Canada is past peak of Omicron wave: top doctor

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas
Amita Minhas is described as a 36 year old South Asian female, 5’4” tall, 110 lbs. She has shoulder length black hair and brown eyes. There is no clothing description at this time. 

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas

PrevNext