Selling items online? Police warn of fake bank receipts from bogus buyers
Setting up an online store? Scammers are using phoney bank receipts, according to the police.
Anyone who falls victim to these types of scams should contact the authorities without delay.
Did you find someone to buy the bag or car you were selling on eBay? The police warned the public to be wary of con artists who send out phoney bank receipts.
Residents were warned by the Abu Dhabi Police on Friday about a scam that preys on online sellers. Unfortunately, no payment has actually been made, despite the fact that these fake buyers typically send "receipts" claiming payment has already been sent.
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Col. Muslim Muhammad Al Amari, head of the Criminal Security Sector, described the scheme of things as follows: the con artist finds a victim who has posted an item for sale online, typically on social media, and the fraud begins.
"Once the payment terms are agreed upon, the 'buyer' will send phoney bank receipts claiming that the transfer will take several days to complete. According to Colonel Al Amari, the con artist would then request to receive the goods by presenting this so-called "proof" of purchase.
In the end, those who fall for the con hand over the goods to the pretend buyer, only to discover afterwards that the receipt was phoney and no funds were transferred.
Sellers are being urged by Col. Al Amari not to hand over the items until payment is received. "Do not take any action until the payment has been credited."
It is also recommended that individuals who come across such scams notify the authorities without delay.
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