Community
Seller BEWARE! Warning for anyone selling online. Red Deer man bombarded by scam artists
This article is submitted by Tim Lasiuta of Red Deer
Kijiji, navigating scam buyers
It all started with what seemed to be a good idea.
I needed to sell a few items and other than eBay, Kijiji was the next best option. After all, I had success on precious occasions selling other items and services to help make ends meet in a tough Alberta economy.
Comic books in hand, my ad seemed pretty simple.
“Collectors comics for sale, $1000 in value. Asking $500. Contact Tim at….”
Not that I expected people to come running out of the electronic bushes to fight over my well cared for comic books and anthologies, but I did not expect what happened over the next 3 days.
I had included my cell phone number so I could at least talk to people about what they might want. However, with the advent of the global marketplace sellers are exposed to international buyers.
Shortly after posting my ad, I received a response via text asking what seemed to be a legitimate response.
“I want to buy my son a birthday present. This is a surprise. What is your firm price? Why are you selling? What is your phone number? What is your paypal account? What is your address so we can pick them up?”
That all seemed good once I answered the questions and sent pictures of all 70 comic books and 30 hardcovers.
Within a few minutes, I received the following response:
“Okay, sound good. I will pay you through PayPal, you can easily get money in your PayPal and transfer it into your bank account. Let me know if you accept my method of payment and I will also contact the shipping company that will come down to your location for pick up after the payment clears to your account.”
It still sounded okay, but not quite normal. After all, I had sold much through paypal and people just transfer funds as required.
That did not prepare me for what was next though.
I received what seemed to be a PayPal notice for $850 usd. However, I wanted $500. And the note included a shipping agent contact stating I had to send $300 to the agent to release the $850!
By this time, I was very suspicious and knew that was a scam.
I continued with the conversation and was assured this was not a scam and the funds really were on hold. They did want them.
By this point, I gave up on this particular scammer and waited for a legitimate local buyer.
The end was not near however, as 3 more individuals contacted me over the next 2 days to offer the same thing! All were out of country phone numbers, Colorado, Nevada and Indiana.
Looking back on the transaction, I researched their methods and discovered that the pay to release funds is not new and was based in Nigeria originally. Now, it seems to come from the United States.
Their pattern can be summed up in four steps.
- Contact you saying they cannot come to see the asset in person and ask you questions.
- They agree to the price, no matter how large.
- They theoretically send you more than you ask for, demanding an advance payment to release the funds.
- You will never receive the rest, your paypal account is zero with no option to recover.
The buyers, as it were, hide beneath foreign cell phone numbers and redirected email addresses. Once you engage them with the $300, you can no longer fight the battle. Report these individuals IF you can identify them, but otherwise run!I write this cautionary tale so other sellers can be aware of those who prey on potential sellers, no matter where you live.
By the way, there is no happy ending to this story yet. My comic books are still for sale and I still need to post items to make rent this month.
May you all find real buyers.
Tim Lasiuta
403-396-1773
Community
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Community
Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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