Scammers using 'sleight of hand' to sell fake iPhones, Richmond RCMP warn
Mounties in Richmond are out with a warning after fake phones "made by a well-known company named after fruit" were sold through Facebook Marketplace
The detachment received two separate reports describing a similar scam last week that involved victims who were looking to purchase the latest generation of iPhone, according to a news release from the detachment.
"Upon meeting, the victims viewed an authentic phone. After money had been exchanged, a sleight of hand occurred whereby the authentic phone was switched out for a counterfeit version, and the suspect left with the money," the statement says.
Spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang says while the "vast majority" of transactions arranged through online sellers proceed without any issues, cases like this one offer an opportunity to warn buyers to beware.
"We simply wish to remind the community that there are some bad actors that do not have your best interests at heart," he said.
The Richmond RCMP has a "safe transaction area" in the detachment lobby and the statement notes other police stations do as well. Arranging purchases at these locations is one way Hwang says people can guard against being scammed.
"If a buyer or seller refuses to meet at such a location, as it benefits the safety of both parties, consider avoiding the transaction altogether," he says.
Other safety tips include meeting in public locations where there are likely to be both witnesses and security cameras, being wary of purchasing something from a newly-created online account and being skeptical of offers that seem "too good to be true."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.