The Estevan RCMP has seen an increase in the number of scams that have victimized residents, and the RCMP would like to make the public aware of some of the common tactics employed by these scammers.

When buying something on-line, people should be suspicious of:

*A seller who is not in the same location as the item, or who cannot by contacted by telephone.

*An item that is already packed for shipping, cannot be photographed or whose VIN number cannot be obtained.

*An item which the buyer only has to pay shipping costs until the recipient has the item.

*An item where “shipping is already arranged,” and the recipient is to provide their information to the seller's agent, or shipper, via a link provided by the seller.

*A seller who will only accept payment via money transfer service, such as Money Gram, Money Mart or Western Union.

When selling something on-line, people should be suspicious if a purchaser supplies a counterfeit cheque or money order in an amount greater than the selling price. They will then ask you to deposit this cheque, and wire the excess money back to them. The cheque will then be returned as counterfeit, and charged back to the seller's account.

People who want to become aware of all scams known to date can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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The Estevan RCMP is seeking the public's assistance with the following crime. On February 18 or 19, fuel was stolen from a well service rig site just outside of Benson. Approximately 300 litres were taken.

The RCMP reminds oilfield companies and the general public to secure their fuel and other property to prevent future thefts.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Estevan RCMP at 637-4400, or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-8477.

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Highway 606 through Midale was briefly closed on February 21 to a collision between a train and a vehicle.

Weyburn RCMP members responded to the accident. There weren't any serious injuries in the collision, and a derailment did not occur, but Highway 606 was closed until the train was moved.

Traffic was temporarily rerouted.