Watch out for social media sale scams in Dorset
Police want to identify a man after a series of similar incidents
Last updated 8th Nov 2022
Police are investigating a series of scams across Dorset and have issued a photo of a man they'd like to identify.
A man turned up at an address in Bournemouth at around 3.50pm on Saturday (5th November) to buy an iPhone 13 Pro advertised on social media.
He showed the victim his phone to prove the money had been transferred - but it never arrived in the victim's account.
The victim took photos of the man's BMW car, the number plate and driving licence before giving him the phone.
Police say there've been 6 similar incidents across the county, on Friday and Saturday (4th and 5th November) including in Weymouth.
Those incidents involved phones, a watch and an iPad, all obtained fraudulently.
Police Sergeant Hayley Lyne, of Dorset Police, said:
“An investigation is underway into this series of incidents and we are carrying out enquiries to identify the person responsible.
“These incidents have caused a significant financial loss for the victims and the offender has made a number of efforts to make himself look credible.
“Unfortunately, the car and driving licence details have not provided any further information as they are believed to be false and we are now in a position to issue an image of a man we would like to identify.
“I would ask anyone who recognises him to please come forward.”
If you can help with any information on the incidents, you're asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, or visit their website |newtab), quoting reference number 55220180627.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.