Thames Valley Police have issued a warning to online sellers about a scam ‘bank app’ used in marketplace transactions.
Marketplace sites that are being targeted include Facebook marketplace, Gumtree and other popular sites.
In this case scammers are said to be arriving at the seller’s home address to purchase an item previously agreed with the seller online.
TVP crime prevention team said: “The offenders will ask to pay by bank transfer. They will hand the victim their phone and ask them to type their bank details in to a ‘banking app’.
“The screen will look like a banking app transfer, but it is actually a spoof app which produces a convincing ‘bank transfer screen’ complete with the victims details. However, no money is transferred.”
The advice that has been issued is to only accept cash from buyers and ensure you are aware of security features on authentic bank notes. This is due to fake bank notes circulating the area.
If in doubt of any marketplace purchase, police have warned to decline the exchange.
