GUELPH – Guelph Police is investigating after a Guelph man received $2,300 in counterfeit cash while selling a laptop online.
On Tuesday evening, police say the victim reported he was selling a MacBook Pro on Facebook Marketplace and agreed to sell it to a man for $2,300.
“The supposed buyer attended the seller’s address and handed over the cash, which was later determined to be fake,” police said in a news release.
The suspect was described as possibly Indian, 5’6” tall with a thin build, black hair, and a thin beard.
Police say he was wearing all black clothing and a black hat.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Guelph Police or Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington.
Online sales safety tips:
· Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers to your home. Suggest a meet-up during the day at a public location, ideally with video surveillance. The Guelph Police Service offers a Buy & Sell Zone outside the station on Fountain Street East and a second Buy & Sell Zone is available at the University of Guelph on Lang Way across from the Alumni Stadium entrance.
· Have someone come with you to the meet-up. If you can’t have someone come with you, let friends or family know where the meeting is taking place and any details about the buyer or seller.
· Take screenshots of the advertisements and any contact information provided by the other party.
· If you are the buyer, do not disclose to the seller how you will be paying if it’s not necessary. If the seller is aware you are attending with cash it creates an opportunity for a robbery to take place.
