Scam Information

Protect yourself from internet scams by being aware of what is happening.

There are certain scams taking place on the internet which target classified advertisers. 

Please be aware of the following scam.

If you advertise an item for sale and a would be purchaser offers you a cheque over and above the value of your goods it is very likely that the cheque is stolen or a forgery. They may ask that you bank the cheque and send the difference to pay for shipping costs. The cheque will then bounce and you will have lost your money and possibly your goods. 

To protect yourself please read the following advice.

The scammers usually make contact by email so consider using a telephone number in your advert rather than an email address.

If you are contacted by email ignore any suspicious emails and do not give out your address unless you are sure that the enquiry is genuine.

If you receive emails or if you receive a cheque that you think is suspicious report what has happened to the Metropolitan Police, e-mail: fraud.alert@met.police.uk Also report any suspicious cheques to your bank.

Please do not send the scammers any money.