Three Facebook Marketplace fraud incidents in Bournemouth in one day

Officers have released pictures of a man they'd like to identify

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 17th Apr 2024

Police have issued images of a man they'd like to trace after several frauds involving items sold on Facebook in Bournemouth and Poole.

The investigation relates to three incidents that all happened on Sunday 7th April.

A man turned up to buy items, including games consoles and cameras.

He showed an alleged banking transaction on his phone, claiming it might take a couple of hours for the money to arrive - but the money never appeared in the victim's accounts.

The man left with the goods without payment.

PC Emily Dilke, of Bournemouth police, said:

“We are conducting a number of enquiries into these reports, and I am issuing images of a man we would like to identify as part of our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact us.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing items online. Always check and be completely satisfied the money is in your bank before you hand over goods – genuine buyers will accept that this is the correct practice.”

If you can help with any information, about the incidents or the man pictured, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55240052963.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.