POLICE are warning online users across Dorset to remain vigilant when selling high-value items.

It follows reports of people pretending to be 'buyers', which have answered a seller’s advert quickly and when they have turned up to collect the items, they have then convinced the buyer they have transferred the money by showing them the transfer on a banking app.

When the sellers have said they cannot see the money in their account, the ‘buyers’ have convinced them it will appear soon and have left with the goods - but no money is paid.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "There have been a number of incidents across Dorset on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or other websites.

"Laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and a graphics card are amongst the items stolen, ranging in price from £500 to £1,000.

"We are urging those selling high value electrical items online, particularly on Facebook Marketplace, to be vigilant following a number of reports when people pretending to be ‘buyers’ have walked away with goods after convincing the seller they have paid via bank transfer."

For more, visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk.