You may have to think twice about selling items over the internet. 

The Portage RCMP report a scam has taken advantage of several area residents by way of counterfeit cheque or money order. 

 

In this case, Constable Dave Spakowski explains the seller is sent a payment exceeding the selling price, and is asked to return the excess amount.  He adds the sellers are often given an incentive to send the buyer the cash. 

 

By the time the sellers realize the payment has bounced, they're usually out hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

 

Spakowski believes the time of year is prime for fraudulent activity with others pursuing that extra dollar.