🤝 Meeting in Person
- Always meet in a public, well-lit place
- Bring a friend or let someone know where you're going
- Meet during daylight hours when possible
- For large purchases, consider meeting at a police station parking lot
💰 Payment Safety
- Use cash for in-person transactions when possible
- Never wire money or send gift cards to someone you haven't met
- Be wary of cashier's cheques — they can be forged
- For expensive items, consider using e-Transfer with verification
🚗 Vehicle Purchases
- Always get a vehicle history report (CARFAX Canada)
- Have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic
- Verify the VIN matches the registration
- Complete the transaction at your provincial licensing office
🏠 Rental Safety
- Never send a deposit without seeing the property in person
- Verify the landlord's identity and ownership
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true
- Get a written lease agreement before paying
🔒 Protecting Your Information
- Use the "Hide my email" option when posting ads
- Don't share banking details, SIN, or passwords
- Be cautious with anyone who asks for personal information upfront
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a suspicious ad or person, report it to us immediately. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.