Recently, many of us may have found ourselves spending more time online – whether that be socialising or purchasing items via online auction and social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
On some occasions, unsuspecting buyers are purchasing items online and sending money to who they perceive are genuine sellers via PayPal, but then do not receive the products they’ve purchased.
Over the last two weeks (23 September – 5 October) there have been 14 reports across Hampshire relating to PayPal issues, whereby money has been obtained fraudulently, resulting in losses of over £3,800.
If you are purchasing items from someone unknown to you and they request payment via PayPal, then please be aware that there is an option to select ‘paying for goods or services’.
This essentially means that the seller has to pay a nominal fee to receive the money. In doing so, this is likely to result in ensuring that the seller is genuine, and is also covered by PayPal’s protection policy – meaning you may be liable to a refund if it has deemed that fraudulent activity has occurred.
For more crime prevention tips and advice, Get Safe Online and the National Cyber Security Centre have some really useful resources available to you, family and friends.