Facebook Marketplace scam warning after 20 people arrive at Derby address to collect motor home that didn't exist

People who thought they had successfully bought a motor home or car on Facebook Marketplace have been turning up to a house in Allestree to collect their vehicles much to the surprise of the resident who knew nothing about it. It has led Derbyshire police to issue a series of red flags to help protect them from social media marketplace scams.

The Allestree resident contacted the police after around 20 people turned up at their door at all different times of the day and night over a two-week period, expecting to collect a vehicle which they said they had paid a deposit for. The sale was arranged on Facebook Marketplace, via the profile of a man which appears to be completely unrelated to the residents.

Using a profile name of Jason Wright, the man had allegedly given the Allestree address as a pick-up point, and some of the callers had travelled from as far away as Crewe.

Officers are now reminding people of things they should look out for to help them spot if a profile or listing is genuine:

Look at the seller or buyers Facebook profile- when was it created? Often scammers will create new profile accounts. If it appears very recent, approach with caution.
Never pay in advance for an item. Try to exchange money and the item at the same time.
Use a reputable payment method, and one which offers protections or refunds to buyers and allows for transactions to be disputed within a particular timeframe.
For bigger items, like vehicles or property for rent, treat it as you would if shopping from a car dealership or letting agent and view before agreeing to purchase.

Derbyshire police say that If you think you may have been the victim to a scam like this, and have lost money, you should immediately report the scammer to Facebook, block them and stop any communication. Contact your bank or the payment processor (e.g.PayPal) you have used to try and get your money back.

You should also report it by contacting Derbyshire police or Action Fraud, the national centre for fraud and cybercrime online here, or on 0300 123 2040.

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