ONLINE SCAMMERS DOING THE ROUNDS

By Renee Bogatko, Image Credit – ACT Policing

Canberrans are urged to be cautious when selling things on sites like Gumtree, following a number of recent scams.

Investigations are underway after sellers were scammed out of expensive items such as cars, mobile phones and jewellery.

Station Sergeant Chris Meagher said sellers need to be careful with online sales.

“Our investigations indicate that the scammers make contact with the seller and arrange a face-to-face meeting. At the meeting, the scammer provides a fraudulent driver’s licence to assist the seller in believing it’s a legitimate sale,” he said.

“After a price is agreed, the scammer then produces a fake bank receipt on their mobile phone to convince the victim that the money has been transferred into their account. Unfortunately it is not until a few days later, when the money does not arrive, that the victims realise they have been scammed.”

Police are urging sellers to hold onto their property until a legitimate payment has been made and the money is in their bank account.

For those who have buyers coming to their house for pick-up, the advice is to request cash and consider personal safety when inviting people inside.

For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, visit the Scamwatch website.

If you’ve been a scam victim, report it to police on 131 444, or visit your local police station.