One of the legitimate markets that has been successfully operating in Mimico.
It is getting closer to that time of the year when people start to frequent garage sales and craft markets again.
Some South Etobicoke residents have issued an online warning of a scam targeting vendors of craft markets.
The concerns surfaced after administrators of the South Etobicoke Community Group refused to post a listing for vendors for craft markets because it looked suspicious.
One of the online posting that is suspected of being fake.
Due diligence showed there were many of the same posts for vendors for the same type of events on the same dates across North America.
“For any small business owners who participate in markets do your due diligence when seeing these posts online,” Graham Rowlands wrote. “Ask for references.”
He said to ask them to ‘show that that they have done markets and have permits or leases to do so.’
Rowlands urged vendors to do Facebook checks to “make sure they have social profiles to back up their claims. If they don’t proceed with caution.”
Another craft market online posting to beware of that is seeking vendors.
He said there are many online scams to be wary off including those for duct cleaning, cleaning, car cleaning or rental scams.
“Scammers are getting smarter so just be careful when conducting business or buying” from people online.
He reminds vendors and others to vet everyone they plan to do business with and never send money without being sure they are legitimate.