Police warn of Facebook Marketplace scams in Bournemouth
Two people have been duped when trying to buy Samsung mobiles
Last updated 21st Jun 2023
There's a warning from Dorset Police to beware of scams when using online selling sites, following two reported incidents in Bournemouth.
Officers say the incidents involved Facebook Marketplace, on the 10th and 19th of June.
The victims agreed to buy what they thought were Samsung S32 Ultras, from a seller, paying £700 each.
But the devices were later found to be cheap fakes.
Inspector Dave Hambleton, of Dorset Police, said:
“We are urging members of the public to be wary when purchasing items via online sites such as Facebook Marketplace and to make sure you are completely satisfied with the authenticity of any product before you make the payment – genuine sellers will accept this is the correct practice.
“Sellers can use fake profiles to arrange transactions and I would urge members of the public to be cautious about meeting strangers in public places to hand over funds.
“I would also urge anyone who has been the victim of a similar scam, or who has any information regarding the incidents detailed above that might assist our investigation, to please contact us.”
If you can help with any information, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55230094650.
You can also pass on details anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.