💳 Avoiding Payment Scams
Typically, fraudsters will attempt to organize a transaction that is not face-to-face. They often invent elaborate stories to make you feel safe while convincing you to send money or personal information in advance.
Here are examples of common scam replies you might receive:
📦 Payment via Canada Post
“Thank you for your interest in my Apple iPhone 4S 32GB Factory Unlocked... I am located at Petawawa Army base, and it will be shipped from here through Canada Post, shipping and handling free. I accept payment through Canada Post Office-Ukash only because I want to provide you a fast and very secure way... Please let me know to stop any communication with other buyers and complete this sale today.”
💳 Payment via Google Wallet / Checkout
“It is very easy to make this transaction. You must go to the nearest Western Union with cash and submit payment to the Google Checkout agent. After that, fax the Western Union papers as proof. Please tell the agent you are sending the money to a relative or friend, otherwise I will have to pay 15% to the state...”
💸 Payment via Western Union / MoneyGram
“Thanks for your interest in my little puppy. We are on a Christian mission in West Africa. The puppy will be shipped via express delivery after you pay a $200 shipping fee via Western Union or MoneyGram. Please send your full name, address, nearest airport, and phone number so I can arrange shipment...”
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
- Requests for money upfront before you see the item.
- Payment via non-traceable services, like Western Union, MoneyGram, or cash transfers.
- Promises of free items but insistence on paying “shipping, insurance, or processing fees.”
- Stories involving military service, overseas travel, or remote locations to explain why the item can’t be viewed in person.
- Offers that are too good to be true — e.g., brand-new phones, puppies, or expensive goods at unusually low prices.
- Generic or mass-produced messages that don’t reference your ad specifically.
- Fake tracking numbers, counterfeit receipts, or documents to convince you that a payment was already made.
🧠 New Tips to Stay Safe
- 🔍 Always verify the item in person. Do not rely on photos or videos sent electronically.
- 🏢 Meet in public places and avoid home delivery unless you can confirm the legitimacy.
- 📞 Call the seller directly using a verified local number.
- 🪪 Never share personal information like banking details, SIN, or credit card info.
- 🤖 Be cautious of AI-generated or copy-paste messages — overly polished or identical texts across multiple ads are suspicious.
- 🔒 Keep all communication on Kijiji to allow detection of suspicious behavior.
- 💸 Use secure payment methods only in person — cash is safest, or trusted third-party cashless methods (e.g., Interac e-transfer) at your discretion.
👍 Best Practices
- The gold standard is to meet the buyer or seller in person.
- Avoid any deal that pressures you to send money first or requires shipping before payment verification.
- Trust your instincts — if it feels suspicious, walk away.
