Two separate statements from police warn residents to be weary of scams making the rounds in the city.
Police Issue Warning to People Buying and Selling Cars
Police are warning people about a scam involving the buying and selling
of vehicles using internet classified sites.
The HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit has received three
complaints in the last two months involving the sale of vehicles
advertised on-line. The suspect locates a vehicle for sale on line and
makes arrangements to purchase the vehicle. The suspect uses a
fraudulent cheque to buy the vehicle and then advertises it again on the
internet right away for a lower price than the vehicle is worth and
sells the vehicle for cash. The original seller reports their vehicle
stolen when they realize the check is fraudulent. The car is returned to
the original seller and the person who purchased the vehicle from the
suspect loses the vehicle and the money they paid to the suspect.
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud, HRM Partners in
Policing offer the following tips:
– Confirm the identity of the person you are dealing with by way
of identification such as a photo driver’s license.
– Do not accept any cheque unless you have confirmed with the
bank that it is a legitimate cheque and funds exist to cover the amount
of the cheque.
– Do not purchase a vehicle unless the person selling it is the
registered owner. The identity of the registered owner should be
confirmed through picture identification.
– Be wary of any deal that is too good to be true, i.e. the
advertised price is less then the item is worth, especially when the
seller demands cash.
Frauds and scams, whether it involves buying something on-line or
hiring a company to do work for you, can often be prevented by taking
precautions and doing some research. Never provide any personal
information over the phone unless you have initiated the call or know
who you are speaking with. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be
true, then it probably is.
If you think you have been the victim of a fraud, contact the HRP/RCMP
Integrated Financial Crime Unit at 490-1985.
Police Issue Warning to People Buying Firewood
Police are warning citizens to be careful when buying firewood amidst reports of people not receiving the amount of wood they paid for.
Over the years, the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit has investigated several complaints where citizens have ordered firewood but have received less then what they paid for. These cases typically involve sellers who post their numbers on the side of the road or advertise on an on-line advertisement site. These cases also often involve fraudulent receipts which adds to the difficulty in investigating these complaints.
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud, HRM Partners in Policing offer the following tips:
– Always use reputable companies. Contact the Better Business Bureau at 422-6581 or visit http://maritimeprovinces.bbb.
– Ensure you are home for delivery.
– Verify with the delivery person that the information on the receipt is correct, including the company name, address and phone number, and write down the make, model and license plate number of the delivery vehicle. In the event a fraudulent receipt is issued, having this information will help the investigation.
Frauds and scams, whether it involves buying something on-line or hiring a company to do work for you, can often be prevented by taking precautions and doing some research. Never provide any personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call or know who you are speaking with. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
If you think you have been the victim of a fraud, contact the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit at 490-1985.
