ONLINE SALES SCAMS

Reports of Internet Sales scams continue to appear, and anyone selling items through Online or Social Media marketplaces really needs to be aware of this problem and proceed with care.

How does it work?

You, the seller will list an article for sale.
The scammer will make contact and negotiate a price, and will then appear to send the money, often through a WISE account.
The scammer tells the victim that, in order for the money to be released, a Tracking Number needs to be provided, but you cannot get a Tracking Number prior to sending the item
Once a Tracking Number is provided, this confirms to the scammer the item is on the way in the post, and there is little or nothing Royal Mail, or any courier company can do to retrieve the item.
The money has in fact never been sent by the scammer in the first place, and so the victim takes a double loss: the loss of money from the sale AND the loss of the item.
There have also been reports of the “buyer” saying they will collect the item and pay on collection. They arrive on the doorstep, appear to make a payment through a fake banking App then disappear with the goods. Always make sure the money has arrived in your account before handing over any items.

How can you avoid being scammed?

Research the buyer before you enter into any agreement or monies change hands. Check the website for any reports about the buyer you are dealing with
Never dispatch any item you are selling before you have received the payment, and it is secured.
If you are selling second hand devices, first of all back up any data you may use again then do a full Factory Reset before dispatching the device.
Take care not to provide unnecessary personal details that may give the Scammer access to your finances. Avoid giving out personal bank details to private buyers you do not know.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours.

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If you’ve fallen for fraud

Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.