THUNDER BAY – With the proliferation of online buy-and-sell groups, city police are warning the public to use caution when shopping on social media.
Thunder Bay Police on Thursday said its economic crime unit has been made aware of a recent incident that saw an item posted for sale on Facebook by a person they thought they knew. They sent money to the email address, but then realized the person’s account had been hacked.
Police say the public should be aware that conducting financial transactions via social media does come with some inherent risk. In addition to hacked accounts, fake accounts are also created and once funds are sent, the transaction can’t be reversed.
The public is reminded not to provide personal information over the internet and not to send funds to unknown users. Verbal contact or in-person transactions are best, police say.
For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
