The Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit is investigating a series of fraud complaints in relation to online classified advertisements which have occurred recently.  In these cases, the suspect(s) will reply to the online advertisement regarding an item for sale which could be a vehicle, treadmill etc. by sending a counterfeit money order or bank draft for an amount in excess of the sale price posted in the advertisement.  When the seller contacts the suspect to advise them of the discrepancy, the suspect will claim to have made an error and will ask the seller to cash the money order and then send the suspect the difference by electronic money transfer.

After cashing the money order and transferring the difference to the suspect, the seller will realize a short time later that the counterfeit money order will not clear and the and the seller will be responsible for the difference in funds. 

Police are advising the public to be suspicious of this type of request. These types of frauds are extremely difficult to prosecute and the chances of recovering the lost money is slim.

Anyone with any information with regard to this type of fraud is asked to call the Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700 ext 4330 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS (8477).

Any inquiries regarding this media release can be directed to S/Sgt. Gerry Corriveau of the Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700 ext 4325.

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