Police are reminding the public to exercise caution when purchasing items through the internet after uncovering an alleged fraudulent phone sale operation this week.
About 6.50pm on Saturday 23 November 2019, two men arranged to meet an online seller in Amiens Close, Bossley Park, to purchase a mobile phone.
The men paid $1,500 for the mobile phone and left shortly after.
On Sunday 24 November 2019, the man who purchased the phone realised that the phone was fake and reported the matter at Cabramatta Police Station.
At 1.30pm yesterday (Monday 25 November 2019), the man alerted police to the same seller using a new online account to sell phones.
About 7.30pm, a 16-year-old teen was arrested at Amiens Close and was taken to Fairfield Police Station.
He was later released from custody pending action under the Young Offenders Act.
Police are reminding the public about some simple steps they can take to maintain safety when purchasing items online:
- Research the seller online
- Read reviews from previous buyers or online forums
- Arrange to meet in a public place, and covered by CCTV if possible
- Inspect the item prior to handing over money
Further information on how to stay safe online, visit:
- https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au
- https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
- http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/fraud_prevention/scams
