Do your homework.
That’s the message from the OPP who are trying to protect buyers and sellers from being victims of online fraud. They say that although e-commerce has made it more convenient for everyone, it increases the chances of being a victim.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that $6.3 million was lost country-wide in 2018.
Some of the ways you can protect yourself from being a victim is to:
- Check the seller’s reviews and look to see if others had a bad experience
- Do business with reputable individuals and companies
- Verify their information (phone and email address)
- Look for pop-ups that direct you away from the original page
- Understand the payment options, warranty and return policy
- Check to see if you are covered for fraud with your method of payment
- If you are the seller, wait until the payment clears before sending the item
If you suspect you’ve been a victim, the OPP advises you to contact your financial services company and your local police. You can file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on their website or by calling them toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
Written by Devon Jolander