A man living in the Trail area fell victim to an online scam after attempting to sell an item on social media, prompting a warning from local RCMP.
On Friday, Feb. 14, a Trail officer received a report of fraud after the man disclosed his banking information to a scammer posing as a buyer.
The man had listed an item for sale on a social media marketplace when a supposed buyer expressed interest.
The buyer sent an email, appearing to be from a bank, claiming payment had been made.
The email instructed the seller to click a link and enter his banking details to receive the funds.
Shortly after, the man discovered $2,798 had been withdrawn from his account.
Unfortunately, the money is not recoverable, and the man’s financial institution will not cover the loss due to the disclosure of personal banking information.
Scammers often create emails that mimic legitimate businesses, the RCMP warns.
“This is almost always a scam,” says Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
Police urge residents to never click links in emails or share personal banking details when receiving payments for online sales.
Wicentowich advises that electronic money transfers from social media marketplace sales do not require sharing personal banking information.
For added safety, he suggests meeting buyers in person and in cash, offering the Trail and Greater District Detachment front parking lot as a safe location for transactions.
