The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador is sounding the alarm on a new scam circulating across Facebook Marketplace, where fraudsters are posing as buyers and duping unsuspecting sellers with fake e-Transfer emails.
Several local residents have already fallen victim to this phishing scheme, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.
How the Scam Works
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Scammer contacts seller through Facebook Marketplace about an item for sale.
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They offer to pay via Interac e-Transfer (EMT) to “secure” the product.
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The seller receives a fake email that appears to be from Interac, prompting them to click a link to “deposit” the funds.
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That link leads to a fraudulent page asking for banking info, passwords, and even two-factor authentication.
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The scammer then uses that info to access the seller’s bank account and send themselves real money.
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The victim receives a fake confirmation email saying funds will arrive soon—by the time they realize what’s happened, it’s too late.
Red Flags to Watch For
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The email comes from a non-official domain, like Gmail, not @payments.interac.ca
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The link leads to a website instead of your banking app or official bank site
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The Facebook profile looks suspicious—no posts, few friends, or recently created
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The “buyer” controls the conversation and insists on EMT
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They refuse to meet in person and always have an excuse
Protect Yourself
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Don’t accept EMTs from unknown buyers—cash is safest
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Never input your banking info into a website from an email
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Use auto-deposit so legitimate EMTs go directly into your account
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Verify the sender’s email—real ones from Interac end in
@payments.interac.ca -
Set up banking alerts to notify you of any transfers
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If you’re unsure, say no, leave the conversation, or get a second opinion
Spread the Word
RCMP NL encourages everyone to talk to vulnerable adults and elders about online safety.
For more information about phishing and how to stay safe, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm
Stay alert, stay skeptical, and always trust your instincts. If something feels off—it probably is.