Words by Jodie Powell
Police are investigating a series of cases of fraud in which people bought goods listed on social media and did not receive what they purchased.
On November 8, a North Lakes woman bought a mobile phone that was listed on social media.
She visited a North Lakes carpark and paid $1200 for a phone that appeared new and was in a sealed package.
When she returned home, she discovered the phone was faulty and the seller had provided a fake receipt.
On the same day, another phone was sold to a Mango Hill man for $1100 after he replied to an ad on social media.
That phone was also in a box wrapped in plastic and a fake receipt was provided.
When the man returned home he found the phone was fake.
The alleged fraudster is described as male, in his 20s, with a scar on his left shoulder, shaved head, muscular build and wearing a blue singlet and blue shorts.
It is believed the two men are working together as details on the receipts supplied to the buyers are the same.
A third scam
Police are investigating a similar offence on October 25 at Newport.
A 34-year-old Bald Hills man arranged to meet a seller in the carpark of a Newport convenience store at about 9pm.
The man paid $1000 for a mobile phone packaged in plastic and when turned on, appeared to function.
When the man returned home, he found the phone was a fake.
The seller is described as male, aged between 16 and 18, 170cm tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair, crooked teeth and wearing a black shirt, light-coloured pants and slippers.
Tips for buying and selling on social media
- Be cautious when asked to pay a deposit online without sighting the item or the seller
- Co-ordinate in advance, ask what type of car they are driving, and other identifiable details so you can arrive knowing what to expect
- Always let someone know of your plans
- Police encourage meeting in public places if possible. Choose busy locations with CCTV and preferably in daylight hours
- Consider meeting near a local police station
- If the person you are meeting arrives in a vehicle, consider taking a picture of the vehicle
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