Police are reminding the community to take extra care when buying or selling high-value items through online marketplaces.
Between January and June this year, police identified a number of stealing and robbery offences in South Brisbane where victims were allegedly targeted after arranging to buy or sell items such as mobile phones and laptops through online marketplace platforms.
In some cases, offenders have allegedly used newly created or limited-profile accounts to arrange meetings in secluded locations, often at night, before stealing either the item being sold or money brought by the buyer.
If you’re buying or selling items online, consider these safety tips:
• Check the buyer or seller’s profile and be cautious of newly created accounts or profiles with little information or engagement.
• Meet in a busy public place during daylight hours, preferably somewhere with CCTV and other people around.
• Take a friend or family member with you.
• Keep conversations and transaction details, including the person’s name, phone number and vehicle registration, where possible.
• Use secure payment methods and never rely on screenshots as proof of payment. Check your account to confirm funds have been received.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the transaction.
• Never meet someone at an isolated or unfamiliar location simply because they request it.
Your safety should always be the priority when arranging an online transaction.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or cybercrime, contact your financial institution immediately and report the matter through www.cyber.gov.au/report.
For immediate police assistance, call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent matters, contact Policelink on 131 444.
