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ACT Policing is again reminding the public to be cautious when selling second-hand items as reports continue to be received about sellers handing over goods without being paid.
ACT Policing’s Proactive Policing Team is currently investigating a group of individuals who have allegedly scammed sellers out of their items.
Some of these individuals have been charged and are currently before the court but there are others who are continuing to scam members of the public.
Items that have been handed over without the seller being paid include vehicles and other items of value.
In most instances, the individuals use fraudulent transfer receipts or cancel electronic payments once the item has been exchanged.
ACT Policing is urging Canberrans who sell items online via popular platforms to never hand over goods until payment has been received – ideally in cash. Funds deposited in bank accounts should be verified by checking the seller’s account – and not relying on the buyer’s transaction evidence.
Warning signs include a buyer willing to buy an expensive product without viewing it in person and the payment to the person not matching the identity of the account holder.
ACT Policing suggest electronic payments be made using instant transaction methods such as PayID or Osko.
Exchanges of items should be made at public places, with sellers taking note of details of the buyer, including their name via a form of identification, or vehicle registration.
Investigations into the group’s activities are continuing and additional charges are expected to be laid.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a similar incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
For further information regarding scams, including warning signs, visit ScamWatch.gov.au