Reader warns: Facebook buyer beware

SooToday.com has received the following letter from a loyal reader who wishes to remain anonymous:

And a lot of us are aware of the 24-Hour Auctions Groups for Sault Ste. Marie on Facebook.

It's a group ( there are a few of them) that people can place their items for sale with a starting bid and you have 24 hours to bid on them.

I'm just writing this story to warn others of the dangers of these sites.

There have also been a few people who have sold items and when the person who won the item goes to pick it up they like to make small talk, take a look around their house while picking up the items and ask questions.

Then just by chance a few days later have had their homes broken into, garages broken into.

We don't know who we are dealing with when we are on sites like that.

People can make up fake names when selling and buying.

These sites are a great idea for people who are looking to get rid of their old stuff that's taken up clutter and for buyers to get great deals on some stuff.

But we also have to be aware of the dangers of these sites.

We don't know if items we are buying are stolen, putting us at risk of being in possession of stolen goods.I know it is hard to monitor everything anyone is selling not only on these auction groups but for any website really, eBay, kijiji. etc.

So please be very careful when on these sites and who you have in your home.

Maybe meet them outside.

Maybe meet them somewhere else (but I think that's against their group rules) :( ..... )

So be safe everyone.

It's a sad state we live in where we cant even trust a harmless Facebook group..

Thanks for reading.