The Victoria Police Department is issuing a warning after a local resident had their front door kicked in and some pricey items stolen.

Just before 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, a Victoria resident reported arriving home to find the door to his residence kicked in and electronics stolen, including two laptops and two gaming consoles, said police, in a statement.

B次元官网网址淭he resident recently listed one of the laptops on an online sales platform and gave his home address to several prospective buyers,B次元官网网址� said police. B次元官网网址淥fficers are working to determine if there is a possible link between the prospective sale and the break-and-enter.B次元官网网址�

Here are some tips from police to consider when buying or selling using peer-to-peer online sales platforms:

Consider that there are fake or B次元官网网址渉ackedB次元官网网址� online profiles that are used to scam prospective buyers or sellers.

If something seems B次元官网网址渢oo good to be trueB次元官网网址� it probably is. Trust your instincts if the communication does not seem quite right. Be cautious when posting high-value items.

When buying or selling items, consider meeting in a busy, public place (coffee shop, shopping centre parking lot or police department). VicPDB次元官网网址檚 front foyer is available for transactions and is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Be wary of e-transfer requests to B次元官网网址渉oldB次元官网网址� items or as a B次元官网网址渄eposit.B次元官网网址� Sellers who are pushy or demand a deposit are likely scammers. Similarly, be wary of buyers who insist on paying by e-transfer or another payment platform before viewing the item, with little other communication about the item or before making pick up arrangements.

If the buyer is coming to your home do not provide your address until the details of the sale are finalized (date/time/agreed price). If the buyer is being evasive or demanding your address upfront move on and cease communications.

If you are the victim of a fraud or scam, please call the E-Comm Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.

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