Windsor Kijiji sellers targeted in possible fraud scam

Kijiji.ca offers security tips for users.

Windsor police are warning the public about a possible scam targeting Windsor Kijiji classified ads.

The financial crimes unit received information of the potential fraud on Tuesday.

The scam involves would-be "buyers" from California who tell Windsor sellers that they would be willing to pay extra to have items shipped on their behalf to Nigeria. Windsor residents, who have posted items on Kijiji for sale, have reported California based phone numbers responding to ads.

Police warn that this type of transaction is known as an advanced payment scheme and involves fraudulent cheques as a form of payment from the buyer.

The seller cashes the cheque and is asked to wire back the difference to the buyer, however the cheque is deemed to be fraudulent and the seller is left owing the bank the amount of the fraudulent cheque.