Fraudster 'paying' for second-hand goods with fake banking app, warns Wandsworth Police

A fraudster who uses a fake banking app to "buy" high value electrical goods is scamming local residents through second-hand selling sites.

Users of Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and other local selling sites, have fallen victim to a man operating a new scam in the local area, said Wandsworth Police.

The man, who currently goes by the name 'Jamie', masquerades as a genuine customer online but uses a fake Santander app. On scene with sellers, he claims the money will arrive in two hours, which is not true.

A description provided by Wandsworth Police revealed the fraudster speaks with an Irish accent, is between 30-40 years of age, and on collection of items, wears a mask.

Wandsworth Police warned the local community to be vigilant when using local selling sites to avoid falling victim to the so-called Jamie's one-man scam.

A spokesperson for the local force said: "Users of Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and other local selling sites are being warned of a male suspect who is "buying" high value electrical goods and then paying with a fake banking app.

"On scene, he claims that the money will be there in 2 hours, when clearly it's never going to appear.

"The buyer wears a mask, speaks with an Irish accent and is 30 to 40 years of age. The name he uses is Jamie."

"DO NOT sell anything online to someone matching this description using a Santander app. You will lose your goods.

"ALWAYS be careful when selling goods and make sure the money is in your account before parting with items.

"If you have been scammed in this manner please report it online to us here – www.met.police.uk or via Action Fraud."