Warning to be aware of fake buyers
We have recently seen a rise in criminals targeting genuine online marketplace sellers.
Criminals appear as ‘buyers’ who claim that they would like to purchase an item. They go on to correspond with the seller and arrange a time and place to collect the item. On arriving, the fraudster will insist on paying via bank transfer and may show the seller a screen on their mobile phone with what appears to be confirmation from a bank that the funds have been sent.
If the seller challenges the fraudster for reasons such as the money has not yet cleared in their own account, they are reassured that these transactions can often take a period of time to clear and then leave in possession of the seller’s property.
In these cases the seller does not realise that they have been duped for some period of time, which allows the criminal to make good their escape.
When selling items via online marketplaces do not allow yourself to be pressured into handing over an item before you receive the payment. If in doubt, contact your own bank via a trusted number.
Remember that confidence tricksters are practiced in being convincing and appearing to be genuine.
They may have accomplices who will assist them by, for example, pretending to be from the seller’s bank and assuring you that the money has been sent. Do not take their word for this. Ensure that you are satisfied with the conditions of the sale before parting with any item.
On February 22, officers responded to a call in the Strutherhill area of Larkhall where a male was allegedly causing a disturbance. On arrival the male was allegedly aggressive and abusive towards officers, refused to desist and was arrested. While being conveyed to the police vehicle the male allegedly head-butted an officer causing a minor injury and began spitting at all officers, who were required to deal with him.
A 51-year-old male was charged with offences including a breach of the peace, resist arrest and police assault.
On February 24, police were on patrol in the Blantyre area when they had cause to stop a vehicle. Actions of the vehicle’s occupants gave rise to suspicion and the males were detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for the purposes of a search. A quantity of controlled drugs and cash were allegedly recovered and as the enquiry progressed, officers thereafter obtained search warrants for an address where they allegedly recovered Class A and B drugs with a street value in excess of £10,000, as well as an additional four-figure sum. Three males were charged with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
To report any information please call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.