Money just sent to a scammer? Call your bank first, then the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. What to do next

Guide and checklist

Interac e-Transfer and Marketplace scams: how to stay safe

Never send money to hold or buy something you have not seen, and never send money back because a buyer overpaid. Meet in a public place and check e-Transfers in your own banking app, not through links in an email or text. If a deal needs you to hurry or pay in a strange way, walk away.

Last reviewed . Written by Jeyki Security, free to use and print.

Try it: buyer or seller, which is the scam?

Six made-up situations based on ones Canadians report. Decide for each whether it is a scam, legit or can't tell.

  1. 1.

    You are selling a bike for $200 on Facebook Marketplace.

    From Buyer on Marketplace

    I sent you $400 by mistake, my movers will also collect the bike. Please send the extra $200 back by e-Transfer today.

  2. 2.

    You find a couch for $150 on Kijiji, well below the usual price.

    From Seller on Kijiji

    I'm out of town this week but can hold it. Send a $50 deposit by e-Transfer and my brother will show you the couch on Saturday.

  3. 3.

    You just listed a desk on Marketplace.

    From Interested buyer

    Hi is this still available? I'll take it. Before I pay, I sent a 6-digit verification code to your phone. Can you read it to me to prove you're a real person?

  4. 4.

    You sold a lamp and the buyer said they would pay by e-Transfer.

    From "Interac" email

    You have received an Interac e-Transfer of $80. To deposit it, sign in here: interac-etransfer-deposit.info

  5. 5.

    You are selling a stroller for $60.

    From Buyer on Marketplace

    I can come tomorrow at 5 to the community centre lobby. Cash okay? I will look it over first.

  6. 6.

    You find a rental suite on Kijiji at a good price.

    From Landlord

    I'm overseas for work so can't show you the suite. Send the first month and a deposit by e-Transfer and I will mail you the keys.

If you are buying

  • See the item in person before you pay. Meet in a public place, in daylight, and bring someone if you can.
  • Do not send a deposit to "hold" it, and do not pay in full up front to someone who cannot meet you.
  • Be careful with prices far below normal, new profiles with no history and sellers who push you to hurry.
  • Pay in a way you can trace, and keep the ad and the messages until it is done.

If you are selling

  • Do not send anything back if a buyer overpays. Tell your bank instead.
  • Do not share a code, even to "verify" yourself. Do not click links to "receive" payment.
  • Check that the money is in your account, using your own banking app, before the item leaves your hands.
  • Do not give out your address, email password or banking details. A buyer only needs to meet you.

Interac e-Transfer basics

  • Treat an e-Transfer like handing over cash. It is hard to undo once accepted.
  • Check for pending transfers by opening your bank's app or typing its address, never through a link in an email or text.
  • Turn on Autodeposit with your bank if you can. Then money goes straight into your account without a security question. Banks say this helps protect against interception.
  • Protect your email. Someone with access to it can intercept transfers. If you think yours is hacked, see the email hacked checklist.
  • Never share a security answer by text or email.

If you already sent money

Call your bank straight away on the number on your card and ask if the transfer can be stopped. Then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501 or at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. Report the ad to the site where you saw it. See what to do after a scam.

Common questions

What is an overpayment scam?

A buyer sends more than the price, by e-Transfer or a cheque, then asks you to send the difference back. The first payment is fake or gets reversed. If someone overpays, do not send anything back. Contact your bank instead.

Can I get an e-Transfer back once it is accepted?

Often not. An accepted e-Transfer is like handing over cash. That is why you should not send money before you have the item in your hands, and why you should call your bank at once if you were tricked.

A seller wants a deposit to hold the item. Is that safe?

It is a common scam. Canadian sources list deposits to reserve an item, sellers who will not meet in person and pressure to pay in full up front as warning signs. Only pay when you have seen the item.

What is Interac e-Transfer interception?

It is when a criminal with access to someone's email gets a transfer diverted to themselves. Banks say to protect your email, use auto-deposit and never share a security answer by email or text.

Someone asked for a code sent to my phone when I listed my item. Why?

Some scammers pretend to be interested buyers and ask you to read out a code, claiming it verifies you. The code is actually for your own account, so they can take over your phone number or accounts. Never share a code with a buyer.

Sources

  1. Protect yourself from fraud, Interac
  2. Purchase of merchandise scams, Competition Bureau Canada
  3. Learn about Interac e-Transfer interception fraud, CIBC
  4. Preventing Interac e-Transfer fraud, TD Canada Trust
  5. Report cybercrime and fraud, National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System

Not sure about a deal or a message?

With the scam check plan you forward me a message or screenshot and get a clear answer, with the reason, within one business day. It is C$12 a month and covers up to 4 people.

See the scam check plan