Internet sellers warned of email scam

PEOPLE are being warned about an email scam targeting people selling items on the internet.

To convince Australian victims to send money overseas, online fraudsters are now using WA Police signage in emails to their victims to lend legitimacy to their scams.

In these emails, the fraudsters claim collaboration exists between PayPal and Australian Police agencies to force victims to send them money or face legal action by police.

The emails contain a large WA Police banner, a WA Police badge and the WA Police website address, which is a link to the UK Metropolitan Police website.

The emails are typically being received by victims who are trying to sell high-value items, like cars, online.

The email contains a story about why the fraudster can't collect the item and says they require the victim to send a fee ($650 to $1200) to their delivery agent overseas to arrange delivery of the item.

They then claim they cannot pay the delivery agent directly and ask the victim to pay the delivery agent via a money transfer service, advising that they will credit this extra amount into the victim's PayPal account.

The victim then receives a notification email purporting to be from PayPal, advising that the sale amount, plus the amount to be paid to the delivery agent, is being held for deposit in the victim's PayPal account.

When the victim doesn't pay this fee, they receive an email with the WA Police signage threatening legal action by Australian Police.

Anyone who receives this scam email should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

What everyone else is thinking

Paul

28/12/2011

Yes me to, it's not hard to get sucked in . I had a reply from a gumtree add , saying he can't pay the shipping agent as he works on a ship, I got mail from the bank of scottland saying I have to pay $700.00 to western union and he will add to my account , and I won't get the funds until then .

Emma

09/09/2011

same thing has happened to me twice in the matter of 12 hours from perth gumtree over second hand rugs - just be very careful!

if this something like this has happened to you change your passwords just to be sure

Melissa

27/12/2009

I too have just received a txt message and an email from this person claiming to be "legitimate" and wanting to buy my leather lounge I had advertised on Perth Gumtree, I think as soon as someone mentions "China and legitimate" in the same sentence be very wary!