Almost $2K stolen from buyer in online marketplace fraud

An undated stock image of the Facebook log-in page. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public after over $1,900 was stolen from a buyer in an online marketplace fraud.

In a release, the OPP said a person was trying to buy a camera off of Facebook Marketplace. The buyer told police that after they sent the payment through e-transfer, the seller stopped talking to them and deleted the listing.

Police said the suspect used a fake name and identification for the transaction.

The OPP is warning the public that if they choose to buy online, to be careful and meet in a safe, public space to complete transactions. They advise to never send money ahead of getting the item, to confirm the seller’s identity and to avoid new accounts selling the item.