Police are reminding people to be vigilant when selling and buying items online after a recent thefts across Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
The thefts are committed after the offenders arrange to purchase items, with offenders pretending to be legitimate buyers, meeting at the seller’s home address and stealing the item.
Victim’s have had vehicles stolen after allowing prospective purchasers to test drive their car, only for them to never return or for fake payments to be made.
Ways to avoid being placed in a dangerous situation when buying or selling items online include looking into the buyer or seller before meeting up.
Social media pages that have recently been created or only have a few followers may be indications they are fake.
Another method to stay safe is to meet in a a public place where there are a lot of people around and plenty of CCTV rather than a home and to bring a family member or fried along.
People should communicate with the person verbally rather than via text messaging to gauge any suspicious behaviour.
Police reminded sellers not to accept screenshots as proof of payment.
Those who need immediate assistance should call 000.
To report any suspicious behaviour, contact a local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
