Scammers warning over local selling sites

Sunday 20 May 2018

Guernsey Police are investigating a scam which has seen a number of people in the island lose money to people posing as genuine sellers on local classified websites or social media trading pages.

In order to lure potential victims in, the scammer advertises or offers the item at a low price, often much lower than other similar items advertised on the same site. When a potential buyer shows interest, the bogus seller may claim that they have moved away from the island or that they are travelling overseas and that they will hand over the goods on their return following receipt of payment.

In particular, Guernsey Police said they are aware of a number of fraudulent attempts being made in relation to numberplate sales online. Some islanders have paid either a deposit, or in some cases, the agreed price in full, only to find that they then can’t contact the seller, who never owned the number plate in question in the first place.

They say things to look out for include: 

• Products advertised at low prices ‘for a quick sale’ – which are much lower than other comparable items
• The seller is unable to meet in person and insists on payment prior to delivery
• The seller requests payment through international money transfer, cheque or direct bank transfer
• Do an internet search using the exact wording in the advert, many scammers can be found this way
• Remember if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.  If you have any doubts, don’t go ahead with the purchase

Guernsey Police are asking anyone who have had dealings that they suspect are fraudulent to contact the investigating officers who are on C-Shift.

They say you could also contact the relevant website or social media page to let them know the scammer’s profile name and any other details that may help them to stop others being caught out.

If anyone has lost money as a result of a similar fraudulent attempt, they are asked to call 725111. 

For advice and support, contact Guernsey Trading Standards on 234567.