Please Beware
Fraudsters are targeting online advertising platforms where items are acquired
for free. The fraudsters will list items on the website and advise any purchasers
that they have recently moved from the area they were originally living in and
can arrange a courier to dispatch the items for a fee.
The payment requested for this service is usually via Money Transfer such as
MoneyGram or Western Union, or an e-money voucher. The items they were promised
are not received and any attempts to contact the individual to gain a refund are
unsuccessful.
What can you do to prevent it happening to you?
- Stay within the auction guidelines stipulated on the website.
- Ask to view the item in person.
- Be cautions of making advance payments to a stranger via Money Transfer or e-money products.
- If the item advertised seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at the
Action Fraud website.
or phone:0300 123 2040
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