Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji Disputes: What You Can Do

When you buy from another person rather than a business, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act usually doesn't apply: it protects consumers dealing with businesses. But the ordinary law of contract and misrepresentation still does.

Your possible claims

• Misrepresentation: the seller described the item falsely, for example "never been in an accident" or "works perfectly".
• Breach of contract: you paid and the item never arrived, or a different item was delivered.
• Fraud: the "seller" never had the item. Report it to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre too.

Save the evidence today

1. Screenshot the listing before it is deleted, including photos and the description.
2. Save the full message history, with dates.
3. Keep proof of payment and the seller's name, phone number or email.

Next steps

• Send a short, polite demand letter asking for a refund by a date.
• If it isn't resolved, a claim up to $50,000 can be brought in Small Claims Court.

Buy safer next time

Meet in a public place, test the item before paying, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or sellers who only want e-transfers in advance.

Sources

• Ontario: suing someone in Small Claims Court
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Read next: Wedding and Event Vendor Cancellations: Getting Your Deposit Back

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Shopping online with a tablet and a card · A text message conversation on a phone.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.