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Criminals are using online classified ads purchases as an opportunity to perpetrate several crimes and one of such is gunpoint robberies. Police have warned residents across Canada that online buy and sell comes with many risks.
According to the Edmonton Police Service, they received 469 reports of buy and sell scams with a total financial loss of $356,801 in 2022.
Reports by The Free Press says an incident where two men were robbed at gunpoint last weekend has urged police to sound a warning note to Winnipeg residents. The report says although neither victims was injured, the “violent nature of the crime is concerning, and online platforms – including dating and virtual marketplace services- are a common avenue for criminals to prey unsuspecting people.”
Not only are people getting robbed, they are also getting scammed with counterfeit devices. These phone are very close to the real thing, but they are not the same. Victims have said the differences are hard to spot. The devices are said to have IMEI of real phones.
There have been testimonies of experiencing same online, with victims warning the general public not to fall victim of the scam. One of such, is a man identified only as benbird7 on xdaforums, who was sold a counterfeit Samsung S23 Ultra Phone earlier this year. Although, benbird7 was not robbed at gunpoint, he was scammed.
According to benbird7, he bought the phone online, but it turned out to be fake. The device, which is very similar to the real Samsung S23 Ultra and “rather convincing”, is sold at a much cheaper price on a Facebook pop up.
Police issued a number of online purchase safety tips which includes not meeting potential sellers in a secluded place or strange home. Having a trusted person close by during meeting and asking the buyer/seller for a photo ID.
Also, police advised buyers and sellers to take a screenshot of the advertisements, ID numbers and seller’s contact information. Always remember that your safety is important and most importantly stick to buying from safe and reliable virtual marketplaces such as Africanpride Marketplace.
Africanpride Marketplace is a virtual marketplace that prioritizes your safety above all else. With our robust security measures in place, we have created a shopping experience that is free of all online scams. Our sellers are all carefully selected after series of security checks.
Shop confidently with Africanpride Marketplace, where your transactions are safeguarded, and your satisfaction is our topmost priority. Join us in creating a trustworthy shopping experience for you!
To shop or place your products and services now, Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com/marketplace
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