Police are warning residents of a scam targeting residents attempting to purchase vehicles in Newmarket.
According to York Regional Police, in this scam, an advertisement is placed online for a vehicle.
Officers say the vehicle is priced well below market value.
In one case, police say a 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck was advertised for $7,500 when it was worth more than $15,000.
Police say the discounted price motivates potential buyers to respond to the advertisement.
According to police, the seller tells the potential buyer via text to e-transfer a $500 deposit.
After the deposit is received, police say the suspect provides an address where the vehicle can be seen and where the transaction for the remaining funds can be completed.
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Police say when the victim arrives at the address, there is no vehicle for sale, and the homeowners have no idea why people keep showing up looking to buy a vehicle.
Officers say an investigation has revealed the phone numbers being used by the suspect are fake and have been created using an app.
Police are warning residents when they see a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
“Be wary if someone is asking you to send them money electronically, without ever meeting the person or seeing the item that you are interested in purchasing,” the release reads.
According to police, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at 1-866-876-5423 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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