09/12/2022
A well timed reminder for safe online shopping - stay vigilant!
Police are urging people to be cautious when it comes to buying goods listed for sale on social media.
Our advice is to be vigilant when shopping via social media, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Make sure the money is in your account before you hand your items off, Police routinely see fake screenshots are being used to dupe the seller.
We have a number of suggestions for people looking to buy or sell online ⬇️
💸 First and foremost, we recommend using a reputable online site to buy or sell items.
💸 Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? There's a chance it may be a fake profile, and are sometimes deleted after you’ve paid.
💸 If the trader insists on meeting at an unusual location to make a sale, be cautious. It may be that they are selling stolen items or don't want to be identified for some other reason.
💸 Equally, if purchasers are reluctant to meet in person or insist items are dropped off at a location, they may be avoiding being seen or identified.
💸 Purchasers who are happy to pay full price without trying to negotiate.
💸 If you are the seller, make sure the money is in your account before sending or handing off items.
💸 As the saying goes: if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
If you wish to report a scam, call 105, or report it with us online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105
