Porirua residents are being urged to take extra care when buying and selling items on social media, as Police warn of common tactics being used by scammers in the post-Christmas period.
New Zealand Police say they are seeing repeat patterns where offenders lure victims through online marketplaces, often asking buyers to bring cash or directing them to a private address to complete a sale.
Police have also noted an increase in alleged buyers providing fake home addresses, leaving sellers vulnerable when arranging meet-ups or drop-offs.
With many people in Porirua turning to social media to snap up bargains or sell unwanted gifts, Police are reminding the community to stay vigilant and trust their instincts.
Their advice includes using reputable online platforms wherever possible and checking a seller’s social media profile before committing to a purchase. New or mostly blank profiles can be a red flag.
Police say shoppers should be cautious if a seller insists on meeting in an unusual or isolated location, or if buyers avoid meeting in person and push for items to be delivered instead. Either situation could indicate an attempt to avoid being identified.
Other warning signs include buyers who are willing to pay full price without negotiation and sellers who pressure for cash payments.
For those selling items, Police recommend confirming the money has cleared into your account before handing over goods.
Police say the message for Porirua shoppers is simple: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone wishing to report a social media scam can contact Police on 105 or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police say staying alert can help keep Porirua communities safe while shopping online.