A sale on Facebook Marketplace turned into a nightmare for
Hugo Dumas, a columnist at La Presse. While he was trying to sell his iPhone 16 Pro Max, a buyer entered his home and discreetly swapped the device for a Chinese clone. A scenario that highlights the growing risks of peer-to-peer transactions.
The buyer, introducing himself as Sacha, used a mundane excuse asking to use the bathroom to get inside the house. After a series of unsettling questions and a feigned attempt at making a transfer, he left with nothing… or almost nothing. It was only during the visit of a second, more experienced buyer that the scam was uncovered: the phone left in the seller’s possession was a convincing fake
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A sophisticated scam, a symptom of a worrying trend
Law enforcement agencies are reporting a clear increase in incidents linked to Marketplace. In eastern Montreal, these crimes rose by 34% between 2024 and 2025, a trend representative of the entire island, according to SPVM commander Iad Hanna.
“These thefts are becoming increasingly organized and are often used to finance more serious criminal activities,” the commander told La Presse. Physical assaults during such exchanges are also on the rise, including cases involving pepper spray, bladed weapons, or even firearms.
PlanHub’s tips for safe transactions
In light of these dangers, a few basic precautions are essential. The first rule is to always choose a public, well-frequented place for the transaction. The SPVM has also set up around twenty secure exchange zones, located near police stations and under video surveillance.
It is also strongly recommended to avoid hosting the buyer at your home at all costs. During the meeting, carefully inspect both the product and the payment, with a preference for cash. If there is any doubt about the other person’s behavior, it is best to cancel the sale outright.
In addition, use platforms specialized in buying and selling phones in order to secure your transaction.
Finally, filing a complaint remains essential, even if the chances of recovering the item seem slim. This allows law enforcement to better map scam methods and adapt their response.
The apparent ease of online transactions should not overshadow the most basic rules of caution. In a second-hand market that is increasingly exposed to fraud, vigilance remains the best protection.
