South Simcoe police recover $11K in online shopping fraud case

Facebook Marketplace can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

A resident who lost more than $11,000 to an online scam has received a rare piece of good news after a police investigation led to the return of their stolen money.

South Simcoe police are warning the public to be cautious when shopping online, noting that the recovery of stolen funds is extremely uncommon in fraud cases.

On March 17, police say a resident reported falling victim to a scam on Facebook Marketplace. The resident believed they were purchasing a vehicle from a trusted friend, only to later discover the friend’s identity had been stolen. Police say the fraudster had used the stolen account to post a fake ad, tricking the resident into sending several electronic payments totally $11,500.

When the vehicle didn’t arrive as agreed, the resident realized they had been scammed and contacted the police.

"Thanks to a timely and thorough investigation, the officer was able to track the money and successfully return it in its entirety to the victim," South Simcoe police stated, adding, “This outcome is rare, as recovering funds from online fraud is often complex, involving multiple currencies, banking systems, and international jurisdictions.”

Online Fraud on the Rise

Police say online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and cases like this highlight the importance of taking extra precautions before sending money.

"Look for warning signs. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, fraudsters prey on the ‘fear of missing out.’ If something seems too good to be true, it usually is," police noted.

South Simcoe police encourage residents to use their online reporting tool to report fraud and thefts. Police also urge residents to take steps to protect themselves when shopping online, such as verifying the seller’s identity, being cautious with payments, and meeting in a safe location.

“Reporting these types of scams can play a vital role in helping police solve ongoing criminal activity,” the service concluded.