http://vicpolicenews.com.au/news/987-have-you-been-scammedPolice are urging people to beware when buying after reports of online fraud via the Gumtree website dating back to June 2012.
Victoria Police is investigating a series of incidents involving the attempted purchase of a range of good such as mobile phones, iPads, electronic tablets and gift cards from stores including Coles, Myer and JB Hifi.
A male generally searches the wanted advertisements on the Gumtree site then contacts the poster to say he has the item they are seeking.
A price and terms are negotiated with the male forwarding his bank details, most commonly for ANZ, Westpac, St George or Bendigo banks.
He has also been known to provide documents such as a passport, drivers licence and card details in order to alleviate the concerns of buyers.
The man then asks where the buyer lives and states he also lives nearby but is currently working interstate so he cannot drop the goods off in person.
Once the money is transferred to his account he ceases contact.
The victims are based throughout Victoria and across Australia, with information from previous victims leading police to believe the scam may have been committed over 300 times.
Investigators would like to hear from anyone in Victoria who has been the victim of a similar fraud.
Police are also warning people that they need to do thorough research before committing to providing funds.
The federal government also provides a website which offers proactive advice for people who have been the victim of a scam:
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/Reports of online scams can also be made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission via that website.
