Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have issued a warning about the risks of purchasing concert tickets and other items on Facebook.
OPP report an increasing number of fraud complaints through Facebook Marketplace and Messenger.
A common trend involves hacked Facebook accounts, making it seem like friends are selling concert tickets or other items. However, their profiles have been hacked by scammers exploiting the trust between you and your friends.
The OPP advises the public to verify these transactions by contacting the person directly outside of Facebook or arranging to meet them in person.
It could be a scam if the price seems suspiciously low, the seller wants an e-transfer payment, there are grammatical errors, or listings are being posted for sale in Facebook groups
"To avoid becoming a victim, check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information before sending money," OPP advised in a media release.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim but an attempt was made, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre regardless. For more information, please visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).