Devonport CIB detectives have issued a warning about a scam involving classified advertisements.

In recent weeks, several advertisements have been placed in North West newspapers for the ‘sale’ of sought after and expensive items such as motorhomes and caravans.

The contact number provided for the seller is not local, and it diverts to an automatic message.  Buyers are directed to contact the seller via email, and are not able to see the items before placing a deposit.

“Unfortunately several people have transferred money to the ‘seller’ as a deposit.  The buyer has not been able to contact the seller again, once the money was transferred,” said Senior Constable Felicity Boyd.

“The seller encourages the buyer not to transfer the money through secure sites such as Paypal.”

“The message is; if a deal is too good to be true, then it most likely is.”

Devonport CIB has received two of these complaints and is investigating.