With the festive season nearly upon us, ’tis the season for online scams.
The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are reminding Queenslanders to be aware of Grinch-like scammers and be sure to stay alert to scams, such as fake buyers.
Red flags to look out for in spotting a fake buyer include someone wanting to purchase your item without seeing it first, often with a story claiming they are unable to be contacted via phone, video call or in person.
They may also request to pay upfront for delivery costs, promising to reimburse you; or message you saying they have paid, even sending fake email or screenshots as ‘proof of payment’.
Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group advises to only give over your item when you are confident the buyer is legitimate.
“Wait until the funds have cleared in your bank account before meeting your potential buyer in a public space,” Detective Inspector Byrnes said.
“If a potential buyer is inspecting your item, consider your personal safety when arranging a meeting and ensure someone else is there.”
Police have had instances of theft reported during inspections. For safety tips when exchanging online purchases, visit https://mypolice.page.link/pw1U.
Do not be tricked into sending a copy of your driver licence to someone you don’t know, even if they send you a copy of one. Scammers can use this tactic to steal your ID to scam further people.
For information on fake websites, phishing scams, parcel delivery scams and fake seller scams, click on the links below:
To learn more about scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or the Queensland Police Service’s R U in Control campaign at www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/r-u-in-control.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
