|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Online Shopping Fraud |
||
|
Good afternoon Resident,
Online shopping fraud has featured as one of the most common online crime types reported to Action Fraud by Solihull residents in recent months.
Suspects are exploiting both buyers and sellers via various ‘Market Place’ platforms. Facebook Marketplace is the most reported platform and the most frequently - reported items are: iPhones, PlayStations, Air Fryers, and TV’s.
Suspects are publishing various fake listings. Buyers are encouraged by the offender to pay by an unsecured payment method. The buyer makes payment as requested; the item(s) never arrives or an item is received that is significantly different to what was ordered. In some instances, the offender sends an empty parcel to the victim, this is so that they can provide tracking details and proof of delivery should the victim make a claim of none receipt.
Sellers have lost high value items after being led to believe that a payment for their listed item has been made or is pending and posts or hands over their item. The buyers in question may show fake bank transfer screenshots or email confirmations as proof of payment. After the seller has posted or handed over the item, they check their account and then discover the payment has not been made and that the ‘buyer’s’ contact details are false.
Check when the profile was created; if it was created very recently or has very limited information available, approach with caution. Check the seller or buyer’s review history and feedback from other reviewers. Beware of accounts that may have been set up very recently with lots of favourable feedback that sounds similar, this could be an indication of fake reviews. Always use the site’s recommended payment site, if they have one, and read the terms and conditions to understand what you are protected for. If you pay any other way than via a recommended payment site, you may not be able to recover your money. Always check your account or third-party payment facility to ensure a payment has been cleared before handing over or posting items. Do not use links or websites supplied by the buyer to check for payment, as these can also be forged and look genuine. If a buyer makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to block them and report them. If you’re meeting to exchange items, ensure your safety, take a friend or relative, and arrange to meet in a busy public place.
For more information about online shopping fraud visit Action Fraud https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/online-shopping-fraud
Kind regards Jayne | ||
Reply to this message | ||
|
|
