The Vancouver Police Department is warning users of Facebook's buy and sell feature to be warier of sellers after a victim of a widespread scam came forward.
A VPD investigation has revealed evidence that up to 50 people have fallen for a scam run through Facebook Marketplace. The scam works when suspects post items for sale and arrange meetings with potential buyers. Those buyers then agreed to e-transfer payment prior to meeting the seller who, after receiving the payment, stop communicating with the 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,” said Tania Visintin, VPD. “Pick a safe public place, like a police station lobby, to meet up with anyone you’re planning to do business with.”
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,” added 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.
