The Kindersley RCMP's latest report from January 9th to the 15th included reports of fraud.

According to the release, officers have received recent reports of fraud connected to online buy/sell groups on social media. Victims are asked to e-transfer a deposit to hold a desired item, and then once they do, the 'seller' blocks all contact with them.

Similar victims of this fraudulent behavior should report it to their local police service. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can also be contacted online at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

To keep people on their toes when buying things online, the Kindersley RCMP had this list of tips to keep in mind if surfing the local buy and sell:

  • Don't pay for or send a deposit for an item you have not seen.
  • Do not give out personal or banking information to the buyer or seller.
  • Take screenshots of the advertisement, the seller's contact information and your communications with them.
  • If meeting in-person, complete the transaction during daylight hours and in a public place with other people around.
  • Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If something seems suspicious about the buyer/seller, trust your instincts and walk away.
  • Inform the buy/sell site of any fraud or suspicious activity.

Kindersley RCMP responded to 37 calls for service in total over the week. These calls included, but were not limited to three traffic collisions, three uttering threats complaints, and one assault.

If you have any information in regards to a break enter or other crimes in the area, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or your local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.