Chatham-Kent Police are warning you to be careful when you are selling things online.

Aug. 4, police were called after a resident selling two hunting bows was concerned about a transaction.

Police say the man wanted $1,000 for the bows, but the buyer – who had sent all the information requested earlier – sent a cheque for $3,000 by FedEx. Police say it looked like a cheque from a reputable bank, however it was a fraud.

Police say in this scam, fraudsters send over payments with fake cheques, so the seller will send back the extra cash as well as the item purchased.

In this case, the seller didn’t fall for it. Police have these tips for people selling online.

1. Exercise caution with over payments: Be suspicious if a buyer offers to pay more than the agreed-upon amount and requests a refund of the excess money. Verify the authenticity of any payments before proceeding.

2. Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conduct thorough research and be cautious before engaging in online transactions.

3. Use secure payment platforms: Utilize reputable and secure online payment services that protect buyers and sellers. These platforms can provide an added layer of security.

4. Limit personal information sharing: Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information with unknown individuals. Minimize the risk of identity theft or fraud by providing limited details during online transactions.

5. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter suspicious or fraudulent transactions, promptly contact your local police department and provide them with all relevant information. Reporting these incidents can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.