By Shaun Penner

Online Scam

Fort St. John RCMP warn of scammer using local online marketplace

Jun 6, 2019 | 5:35 PM

Fort St. John RCMP are warning of a scammer using fraudulent cheques on the online classifieds site “Fort St. John Now”

Police received multiple reports on Wednesday and Thursday of multiple cases of someone identifying as “Jennifer Brooks” contacting users who had posted items for sale on the site, saying they were interested in purchasing the items. “Brooks” would then send a cheque that was significantly more than what the asking price was for the items. They would then ask the seller to return the difference through an e-transfer.

Police say the cheques appeared real and had information from a legitimate painting company in Vancouver. The cheques were indeed fraudulent, though.

Fort St. John RCMP warn the public that use online buying and selling sites that if someone sends you a cheque that is greater than the amount you are asking for, that it is mostly likely a scam. Do not cash the cheque and return it to the sender.

RCMP did not disclose how much money had been scammed.

Anyone with information on this scam is asked to contact the Fort St. John RCMP, or Crime Stoppers.