Trailer scam making rounds in Fredericton
City police force warns of online scheme asking potential buyers for deposit for non-existent trailer or lawn tractor for sale
Fredericton police report its officers have received nine complaints recently about people falling for an online scam that gets victims to pay deposits for items that aren’t actually for sale.
“The Fredericton Police Force has had nine reports of an online scam where a person posts a trailer, lawn tractor or other large item for sale and requires a $200 deposit,” the force wrote in a post to social media Monday morning.
“The victim sends the deposit but when they go to the address provided, the homeowner is unaware of the posting and does not have the item for sale.”
It warned people to be cautious when interacting with online sellers.
“Before committing a cash deposit, please have a trusted contact validate the item and its condition,” the police’s post stated.
The force also urged area residents to discuss the potential for online scams with family and friends to raise awareness about the possibility and the frequency of recent occurrences of this particular fraud.
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