Written by Halifax Public Libraries' Regional Technology Team
About Media Literacy Week
In an increasingly complex digital world, we often find ourselves asking, “wait… what?” Tools like AI or social media, and challenges such as misinformation or online hate, can seem difficult to navigate. Media Literacy Week, opens a new window is here to answer Canadians’ questions about being online in changing times.
Hosted by MediaSmarts, opens a new window, Media Literacy Week is a national event to promote digital media literacy, with activities and events taking place in classrooms, libraries, museums and community groups across Canada.
Read on for some tips and tricks from our Halifax Public Libraries' Regional Technology Team, to help you better understand the digital landscape.
Whether you’re looking to buy something or sell items you no longer need, it’s important to know how to spot scams, protect your personal information, and make smart choices online.
Online marketplaces are a convenient way to buy and sell, but they can also attract scams. By knowing what to look for, you can buy and sell safely.
Here are 10 simple tips to help you stay safe when using online marketplaces.
Check the website and the profile
Before you buy or sell, make sure you’re using a real and secure website. Look for https:// and a small lock symbol in the address bar.
Next, take a look at the ad and the seller’s or buyer’s profile. A safe profile usually has clear details, some history, and reviews or ratings. Be cautious if the account is new, has spelling mistakes, a suspicious email address, or no real information or reviews.
Trust your gut
If a person seems very eager to sell, is pushy, or gives you a complicated story, it might be a scam. If something doesn’t feel right about the deal, it’s okay to decline.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
Try to know the value of the item you’re looking at and be skeptical of brand-new, expensive items listed for a low price. This is a common tactic for selling counterfeit, broken, or non-existent products.
Ask for extra photos or a video of the item
If a listing only shows stock images from the store or manufacturer, this can be a warning sign. A genuine seller should be able to provide extra pictures or a short video of the actual item. Asking for this helps you confirm the item is real, in the condition described, and matches the listing before you buy.
Be weary of paying a deposit
Scammers sometimes ask for a “deposit” to hold an item, then disappear. Don’t send money until you’ve seen the item in person and are ready to buy.
Protect your personal and financial information
Never share personal details or banking information online. For small in-person sales, cash is often the safest choice.
If you use an e-transfer, only send money after you’ve seen the item. Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These payment types are hard to trace or get back if something goes wrong.
Watch out for fake websites and links
Be wary of links sent by email or text. Scammers often send fake links through emails or texts that look like real marketplace websites. These fake sites can steal your login or personal information. Only sign in through the official marketplace website or app.
Be aware of overpayment scams
Some scammers pretend to be buyers and send a fake cheque or e-transfer for more than your asking price. They ask you to refund the extra money, but the payment is fake or will be reversed. If this happens, you lose both the money you sent and the item. Be careful with overpayments and avoid refunding extra money.
Meet in a safe, public place
Use “safe exchange zones” at police stations or community centers if you can. If that’s not an option, choose a public, well-lit location when meeting someone from an online marketplace. Avoid private or empty areas. Always tell a friend or family member where you’re going and let them know if the time or place changes.
Keep communication on the official platform
Scammers often try to move your chat to text or email with them so they can avoid the marketplace’s safety tools and prevent a record of the conversation. Always keep all messages on the official marketplace app or website so that you have a record of your communication, which can help protect you if a problem arises.
Learn more
For more information, including how to report suspicious activity, visit these official help pages:
- Facebook Marketplace: Buy and sell responsibly
- Kijiji: Safety at Kijiji
- eBay: Stay Safe from Scammers
- Amazon: Scam Prevention
- Esty: Buying Safely
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
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