Warning of fraudsters targeting Facebook users in Staffordshire

Officers are calling on people in Staffordshire to be extra vigilant when buying and selling on Facebook.

It’s after a Facebook trader in Leek was left £2000 short having sold a computer graphics part online.

The suspect, who’s described as a male in his 20s with an Irish accent, agree to purchase the item on Facebook before visiting the victim’s house to pick it up shortly before 4pm on Sunday 20 June.

The man then showed the victim his banking app – highlighting that the money had been transferred and the transaction had taken place.

Once the suspect had left, the victim checked on his own banking app to see the money had been deposited but it had not.

Having contacted his bank, he was told that no payment had been made or attempted.

An investigation is underway with the incident reported to Action Fraud.

PC Wendy Rigby from the force’s Resolution Centre said: “If you’re selling an item online then it’s imperative you take every possible action to protect yourself from fraud.

“If someone insists on collecting the item in person and paying by bank transfer, make sure that you have received the payment before letting them leave with the goods.”

Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 435 of 20 June, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.