🚨 Beware of “Deposit via E-Transfer” Scams on Kijiji
We want to make our community aware of a recurring scam targeting Kijiji users. The scam involves buyers who claim they want to send a deposit via e-transfer and pick up the item later. While this may sound legitimate, scammers use this method to trick users into revealing personal banking information.
🔍 How the Scam Works
- A scammer contacts a seller, showing strong interest in the item.
- They claim they will send a deposit by e-transfer immediately and arrange pick-up later.
- Shortly after, the user receives an email that looks like an e-transfer notification.
- The email contains a “Claim Your Money” or “Accept Transfer” link.
- When clicked, the link sends the user to a fake banking page where they are asked to:
-
- Choose their bank
- Enter banking login details or credit card information
- Provide passwords or sensitive data
- This website is fraudulent. Once the information is entered, scammers gain access to the user’s account.
Some examples
❗ Why This Is a Scam
Real e-transfers never require you to enter your banking password through an email link.
Authentic Interac e-transfer notifications:
- Come from legitimate Interac or financial institution domains
- Do not ask for credit card numbers
- Direct you securely to your own bank’s website or app (you never log in through an email link)
- Have clean, consistent formatting—not odd layouts, spelling mistakes, or mismatched design elements
Fake transfers can often be spotted immediately because:
- The sender’s email address comes from a suspicious or unfamiliar domain
- The layout looks unusual, sloppy, or poorly formatted
- The email creates urgency or pressure
- The link directs to a web address that is not your bank’s official site
✅ How to Protect Yourself
- Never click banking links from unsolicited emails.
- Log in to your bank manually (using your app or by typing the bank’s URL yourself).
- Ignore deposit offers from buyers who won’t meet in person or who pressure you to click a link.
- Verify the sender's email domain before taking any action.
- Report suspicious messages directly on Kijiji.
🛡️ Remember
A real Interac e-transfer will not require you to enter your banking password through the email itself, nor will it request credit card details at any point. If something feels off—even slightly—trust your instincts.
If you suspect you’ve interacted with a scammer, please report them immediately and avoid further communication.
