Ontario Provincial Police are warning the public to be on the lookout after a case of "cheque overpayment fraud" turned up in Grey County.

A resident of Georgian Bluffs township had placed items for sale on Kijiji, an online site where free ads can be placed and accessed internationally.

The seller was contacted by a buyer who expressed interest in purchasing two items of less than $100 in value. Two money orders forwarded were each for nearly $1,000, and the seller was told to cash them and give the overpayment to the delivery person. Fortunately, the seller recognized something was amiss and no transaction was made. The goods weren't forwarded and the money orders weren't cashed.

The matter is still under investigation. Grey County OPP say a suspect has not yet been identified and no charges have been laid.

OPP advise that the key to avoid being victimized by an "overpayment fraud" is recognizing it, as the complainant did in this

An overpayment fraud involves the perpetrator forwarding a fraudulent, possibly counterfeit, cheque or money order with a payment amount in excess of the amount owed and the seller is asked to return any overpayment. The perpetrator receives the overpayment before the cheque or money order is cleared.

Unfortunately, when it is found to be bogus, the amount owed is charged to the seller, the only person involved who can be readily located.

Don't be rushed. If the buyer offer is legit, there should be no problem delaying delivery until you confirm the cheque or money order is legitimate.

It is always helpful to independently confirm the identity, address and phone particulars of the buyer.

Finally, never accept an overpayment of an agreedupon price. It doesn't make sense, the buyer will want reimbursement, which will usually leave you on the short end of the deal.