POLICE are warning potential buyers of online goods to be wary of scams involving items advertised on widely used social media sites and common online auction websites.
The warning follows a number of robberies reported to police after several victims had arranged to meet with fake online sellers to pay for and receive goods.
On Christmas Eve police arrested three men after they allegedly attempted to rob two men, in separate incidents, who they had arranged to sell smart phones to.
Detectives are investigating two similar incidents reported in December.
“If the price seems too good to be true, it generally is,” Detective Senior Constable Michael Haysom said.
“If you are purchasing in person an item from an online seller, always arrange to meet in a public place.”
The federal government also provides a website with advice for people who have been the victim of a scam: scamwatch.gov.au. Reports of online scams can also be made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission via that website.
Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 9 January 2018
