Coquitlam RCMP offer Facebook Marketplace advice [Video]

Local police are adding their voices to a scam warning posted on a community Facebook group in B.C.’s Tri-Cities area.

The poster, who reported being scammed in a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving a fake smartphone, declined an interview with CTV News.

Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Const. John Graham said he “often” sees such warnings online.

“It’s good to remind people that these scams exist,” Graham said in an email, before providing some tips for recognizing and avoiding Facebook Marketplace scams in the future.

First, Graham said, consider the deal being offered. If the price seems “too good to be true,” the advertised item may be stolen, fake or non-existent.

“Do not pay for the item before you meet the seller and see the item in person,” he said. “Some sellers will ask for payment in advance, there is really no need to do so and it should raise red flags.”

He …