The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is warning residents about an advanced payment scam that was recently reported by a member of the public in the Petawawa area.
They say an area resident was shopping on an online marketplace for used goods and the scammer posted an item for sale, asking the victim to e-transfer payment in advance.
The victim was sent to a false address and the seller then ceased communications.
OPP say fraudsters will often create a sense of urgency, asking for immediate payment as the item is in high demand.
The best way to avoid the scam is to exchange both the item and the money at the same time.
The OPP detachment in Pembroke has designated safe trade parking spaces for this purpose, which are always available without an appointment.
The OPP also advises bringing a trusted friend or family member to meetings, conducting transactions during daylight hours and saving email, text and voicemail exchanges.
