Online Purchase Safety Tips

• Conduct your transaction in person in a public place that is well populate and equipped with cameras.
  
• Last minute changes to meeting arrangements is a red flag.
  
• Never go to a buyer or sell something alone. Also no vehicle license plate numbers. 
  
• Safety in numbers.
  
• Safest payment options are cash or E-transfers

Buyers

• Inspect items before purchase. 
  
• Never provide a deposit for something that you have not seen in person.
• If you locate property being sold that you believe to be stolen, call police at 416-808-2222.

Sellers

• Never deposit a check for more than the asking price and provide change if the check is fraudulent you will be out your item and the money.
  
• Be mindful when taking pictures of items do not include personal identifiers in the background (examples include: license plate numbers, house numbers, and addressed mail).

I found my stolen property for sale online:

If you find your stolen property being sold online:

• Take screenshots of the ad – ensure the ad # and any seller contact information is recorded
• Have your proof of ownership ready
• Contact police immediately at 416-808-2222 or come to a police station.

NEVER contact the suspect or arrange to meet the suspect yourself. For your safety and proper investigative measures, please let police officers take care of this.