Derbyshire Police officers are issuing a warning after an increase in reports of fraud on Facebook MarketPlace.
Sellers have lost high value items such as phones, designer clothing, and games consoles after being led to believe that payment has been made or is pending and releasing an item to the buyer.
The buyers in question may send fake bank transfer screenshots or email confirmations as proof of payment.
However, when the seller checks their online accounts, the payment is not there.
Advice from Derbyshire Police includes:
- When accepting payments online, always check your account or third-party payment facility to ensure that payment has been cleared before handing over or posting the goods.
- Do not use links or websites supplied by the buyer to check for payment, as these can also be forged and look genuine. Always log in to payment providers via a trusted route.
- Whilst buy and sell pages can be a good way to reduce clutter and make some money, please always consider your safety, and follow these tips:
- Meet the buyer in a busy public place that you are familiar with, potentially a café, shop, or car park that you know is covered by CCTV.
- Take a friend or relative with you.
If you are feeling nervous or unsure, you could take images or videos so that the buyer and items can be identified if there is any dispute or theft. All reports of this nature also need to be reported to Action Fraud 0300 120 2040 or online www.actionfraud.police.uk.
You can contact Derbyshire police via the following methods:
- Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- Phone – call 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also text on 07800 002414 or email deafsms @ derbyshire.pnn.police.uk