Overpayment scam in Bancroft

By Cam Kennedy

BELLEVILLE – The Bancroft detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have received reports of overpayment scams in the area.

Two incidents took place involving a person selling an item online and receiving more money for the item than asked for, according to the OPP.

After the buyer of the item was told by the seller that too much money was sent, the buyer requested the seller to deposit the money order and send back the extra cash, the OPP said.

Both incidents were considered fraud by the OPP.

To protect yourself from this type of fraud the OPP suggests:

• Knowing who you’re dealing with; independently confirm your buyer’s name, street address and telephone number.
• Never accept a cheque or money order for more than your selling price.
• Never agree to wire back funds to a buyer.  A legitimate buyer will not pressure you to do so.
• Resist pressure to “act now.” You can always visit a bank branch to determine if the cheque or money order is legitimate.