VANCOUVER — When something seems too good to be true, it often is.
That’s particularly true when it comes to finding a deal while shopping online marketplaces such as Facebook.
In recent months, police across B.C. have sounded the alarm over stolen goods being “fenced” or resold for less online. The seller makes a profit and the buyer often has no idea the item was stolen.
On Tuesday, Surrey RCMP announced the arrest of a Maple Ridge woman after an investigation into possession of property obtained by crime.
During a search this month of a home, it was found that the woman had hundreds of designer clothing items, such as jackets, tops, leggings and more, listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. She’s also alleged to have set up a retail-style storefront within her home to sell the items.
In total, officers seized more than $43,000 worth of items.
“If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is and we are asking buyers to be aware,” said Staff Sgt. Nigel Pronger in a news release.
Here’s how to spot stolen goods for sale on Marketplace.
According to Surrey RCMP’s Cpl. James Mason, shoppers should trust their gut when it comes to finding a deal online.
“It’s important to read the post and understand what is being sold,” said Mason.
He flagged a few details that shoppers should keep an eye out for.
Do the item(s) have the original sale tag?
Items being sold with tags still attached does not necessarily mean an item is stolen; the seller might have lost the receipt or the window for exchange or return might have passed. However, there’s no harm in asking the seller the reason for selling an item.
Are there several posts by the same seller with similar items?
On Facebook Marketplace, clicking on a seller’s Marketplace profile will show all of their active listings. Check if the seller seems to be selling multiples of the same item or similar items. See if there’s a theme to the type of listings they have up for sale.
Is the seller offering a selection of sizes, patterns or colour variations for the same item?
Another detail that should set off alarms is a seller that is offering a variety of options for an item, such as sizes, patterns or colours. While it makes sense why someone might have multiples of some items or an item in two sizes, it should be a red flag if someone is offering a range from sizes from XS to XL in the same pair of brand-new Lululemon pants.
Is there a “makeshift storefront” to pick up the items?
In many of the investigations into retail theft, police have found suspects with organized “storefronts” set up in their homes. Unknowing customers may reach out to a seller via an online marketplace for one item and be invited to pick up their purchased item from their home, where a storefront-style display is arranged to show off other items for sale.
How can I stay safe when buying items online?
Facebook’s guidelines for user Marketplace suggest the following tips:
• Meet in-person to verify the person’s identity and the item being purchased. You can arrange to meet in a public, well-lit spot such as at a library or many local police stations have safe exchange zones. Any seller who declines to meet near a police station should give you pause.
• Avoid direct money transfers into a seller’s bank account. Instead, offer to use a person-to-person payment site such as PayPal, which offers additional protections.
• Keep your communications to Facebook so you have a record of the exchange and conversation, instead of communicating privately by other means.
