Buy and sell scam showing up in Cornwall

CORNWALL – Remember the old adage, if it’s too good to be true then it probably is?

City police are asking you to keep it in mind as a buy-and-sell scam is making the rounds of Cornwall again.

Various items are being listed in newspapers and online, way below the actual value, or a buyer shows interest in buying your things for sale, police say.

The problem with the transaction, say investigators, is the seller will make up a story about not being able to be in-person for the transaction as they’re out of the country and will ask you to wire the money.

Once you send the money, nothing is delivered, say police.

In the shifty buyer’s case, the purchaser will write a cheque for more than the amount of the item as a sign of good faith but then the cheque will bounce once you’ve delivered the item.

Cornwall police are sharing these tips so you don’t become a victim:

• Purchasers should always inspect items before acquisition.
• Do your homework by comparing the item to other similar items and their cost.
• Be cautious of “too-good-to-be-true” offers.
• Never give out personal information, such as your name, address, marital status, personal history, bank accounts, credit card numbers etc.
• Take the necessary time to research the seller/company.
• Sometimes, it is just safer to ignore a good offer when you cannot validate it.