TORONTO

A St. Catharines man’s identity is being used in an online scam involving the sale of bogus Toronto Blue Jays tickets.

Back in mid-August, 24-year-old “Adam” — who doesn’t want his real name published — placed an ad on the classified site Kijiji in hopes of unloading a pair of tickets for a concert in Buffalo. He told the Toronto Sun Thursday that he was contacted via e-mail days later by an interested buyer who claimed to be from Oshawa. The buyer requested Adam e-mail him a copy of his driver’s licence as assurance the tickets were real.

Adam sent a copy of his licence — but never heard from the buyer again. He was, however, soon contacted by angry people who had used Kijiji to buy Jays home-game tickets.

These duped buyers had been provided a copy of Adam’s licence in a bid to convince them the deal was legit, then they e-transferred money for the tickets but received nothing.

Niagara Regional Police confirmed they are aware of Adam’s situation and have forwarded a report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Toronto Police said a local woman contacted them after buying bogus tickets on Kijiji. The transaction involved her being sent a copy of Adam’s driver’s licence.

“She provided the money in an e-transfer (and) never received the tickets or a tracking number for the delivery, and I believe she is out the money,” Const. Jeniffer Sidhu said, adding police continue to investigate.

In August, Toronto Police issued a warning to the public of an online “scam” involving Jays tickets.

A spokesman for Kijiji advised in an e-mail that people should perform transactions in person and “in a secure public place,” complete transactions at the event to make sure the tickets are real, and avoid being rushed into a purchase.

terry.davidson@sunmedia.ca