When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Shopping

Ordering online for home delivery or curbside pickup has become a new-normal realm for many of us during these unprecedented times of social distancing. We have leaned on the net to shop for groceries, clothing, home furnishings, and other household supplies, fitness equipment, hobby materials, and even celebration supplies that we opt to use while in COVID-19 quarantine. The services that businesses have been providing throughout this process have been fantastic and essential.

What about the few scenarios that don’t work out when making online purchases? Have you experienced or know someone who has paid money for products or services that never get delivered? If so, that was a fraud.

When people take to purchasing online, by phone or by mail, seller (and buyer) reputation is critical. Losses relating to frauds and scams occur most often when the culprit can keep an anonymous identity during the process. Making purchases from unknown sources pose the highest risk.

Peel Regional Police wants to help you spend your hard-earned money more safely when you make those much-needed contact-free purchases. Here are some points to remember

• Never send Interac e-transfers before receiving a service, product, or securing rental accommodation unless dealing with a reputable online service that provides a loss protection guarantee.      
• Never deposit a cheque from an unknown source into your bank account and then transfer or cash the deposit. 
• Never send money via a Bitcoin ABM if directed to do so by a company or person you don’t know or trust. 
• Never send cash in the mail or by courier to any person or company you don’t know or trust.

For more information about types of frauds and scams and how to protect yourself from various related crimes, please watch Peel Regional Police videos Types of Fraud and How Do I Prevent Fraud? To report a fraud, please contact Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121 ext. 3335.