Ottawa Police warns public about scam

The Ottawa Police Service would like to warn the public to beware of purchasing goods from members of the public out of the trunk of a car in a local parking lot.

If you are approached by someone who wishes to sell you anything: clothing, carpets, electronics, etc., you are placing yourself at risk for being defrauded. The items are often not what they are presented to be (fake) or stolen and you will be left with no recourse.

This past week, a local man was randomly approached and purchased three leather jackets after being provided a very slick and seemingly true story about the reason they were for sale. The value of the goods was far less than what was represented.

The suspect is described as: white, 5'8"(1,73 m), in his 50's, short balding dark brown hair, clean cut, an Italian accent, fluent in English, French and Italian, small hands with a scar on one thumb.

This same type of scam has been reported in Ottawa in the past and is well documented throughout North America as well.

The Ottawa Police reminds everyone to exercise caution and due diligence when purchasing items from non legitimate business vendors and over the internet as well.

If you have been approached, or are the victim of this or any other similar scam, report the incident to Pttawa Police so that the trend can be tracked and followed up by investigators.

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