You bought something on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji or another classifieds platform, and the seller disappeared with your money? The item received doesn't match the ad at all? You're not alone. These scams affect thousands of Quebecers every year.
The Most Common Types of Scams
1. The Ghost Seller
The classic scenario: you find an attractive ad, you pay by Interac transfer, and the seller disappears. They block you on Messenger, delete their profile, and you have no way to contact them.
2. Non-Conforming Item
The ad showed an iPhone in perfect condition, you receive a phone with a cracked screen. The seller refuses any refund and claims it was "like that in the ad."
3. Fake Deposit
You're asked for a deposit to "reserve" the item. Once the deposit is sent, the seller finds excuses to never deliver the item.
4. Overpayment Scam
You're selling an item. The buyer sends you a check for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The check turns out to be fraudulent.
Real Examples Reported in Quebec
"I bought an iPhone 14 on Marketplace for $600. I sent the money by Interac. The seller blocked me immediately. His Facebook profile was deleted the next day." — Marie, Montreal
"I paid a $200 deposit for a PS5. The seller was supposed to deliver it Saturday. He never came and doesn't respond anymore." — Jean-Philippe, Quebec City
"The ad showed a leather sofa 'like new'. I received a stained, torn sofa that smelled like cigarettes. The seller refuses to take it back." — Sophie, Laval
"I sold my bike for $400. The buyer sent me a $900 check asking me to wire him $500 for 'shipping costs'. The check bounced." — Marc, Sherbrooke
What to Do If You're a Victim?
Immediate Actions:
- Don't delete anything — Keep all evidence: screenshots of the ad, conversations, proof of payment
- Report the profile on the platform (Facebook, Kijiji) to protect other victims
- Contact your bank immediately — Some Interac transfers can sometimes be traced or cancelled
- Note all information about the fraudster: name, phone number, email address, profile photos
Official Steps
- File a police report — Even if the chances of recovering the money are low, your report helps identify repeat offenders
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — Call 1-888-495-8501 or visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- Small Claims Court — If you know the seller's real identity, you can sue them for amounts up to $15,000
⚠️ Beware of "Money Recovery" Scams
After a scam, you might be contacted by someone claiming they can recover your money for a fee. This is a second scam. No legitimate company can guarantee the recovery of funds lost in fraud.
How to Avoid These Scams in the Future
✅ Best Practices
- Meet the seller in person in a public place (police station, shopping mall)
- Inspect the item before paying — Never pay before seeing and testing the item
- Be wary of prices that are too low — If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam
- Check the seller's profile — Age of account, photos, reviews from other buyers
- Prefer in-person payment — Cash or transfer after receiving the item
- Never send a deposit to someone you've never met
How Report Quebec Can Help You
Our support includes:
- Complete documentation of your case with all evidence
- Creation of a structured file that you can present to police or small claims court
- Guidance to the right recourse based on your specific situation
- Letter templates for formal notice if you know the fraudster's identity
- Official record of the scam to help identify repeat offenders
Have you been a victim of a Marketplace or Kijiji scam?
Report your case for free. Your report helps protect other Quebecers.
File a Free Report