Residents are being urged by Peterborough County OPP to exercise caution when selling items online following a recent theft of snowmobiles and a trailer.
On January 7th, police received a report of two snowmobiles and a trailer being stolen from a property in the county. The items had been listed for sale online for $50,000. The seller had been in contact with a potential buyer, who agreed on a price pending an in-person inspection. After the meeting, the buyer provided a bank draft, which the seller planned to deposit after the buyer viewed the snowmobiles. However, upon returning home a few days later, the seller found the trailer had been stolen. A neighbour indicated that a truck arrived the day after the seller left, and they suspected it was the buyer retrieving the items. It was later confirmed that the bank draft was fake.
OPP is reminding residents to verify potential buyers before sharing personal details or meeting in person. It’s recommended to meet during daylight hours, secure a description of the buyer and their vehicle, and ensure items are safely locked up until payment is confirmed.
For more tips on avoiding fraud, visit the Competition Bureau’s “Little Black Book of Scams” or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you suspect fraud, contact local police.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
