ACTION Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, has received several reports indicating sellers of items on online marketplace websites are falling victim to fraud by bogus buyers.

Typically, the bogus buyers contact the seller wanting to purchase the item for sale and advise they will be sending the requested amount via PayPal or other electronic payment method.

The seller then receives a fake, but official looking email stating they have been paid more than the asking price and to send the difference back to the buyer’s bank account.

But, according to Action Fraud officers, in reality, no money has ever been sent to the seller.

The bogus buyer has spoofed an email and purported to be an online payment company. All contact is then severed with the seller.

An Action Fraud spokesman said: “It is important to remember selling anything could make you a target to these fraudsters.

“But the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified those offering sofas, large furniture and home-ware are particularly vulnerable.”

Action Fraud issued the following Protection Advice:–

•Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Criminals can imitate any email address. Always use a trusted online payment method – i.e. Paypal – and refuse unusual requests for payment like bank transfers

•Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Always verify you have received payment from the buyer before completing a sale

•Listen to your instincts. Criminals will try and make unusual behaviour, like overpaying, seem like a mistake.

Visit Take Five – www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk – and Cyber Aware at www.cyberaware.gov.uk for more information about how to protect yourself online.

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040. or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk