We have recently been made aware of a scam on Facebook Marketplace where a number of very cheap pool tables are being advertised along with other items like leather sofas, high end sofas, fridges, marble tables etc.

The actual scam is in the delivery charges. The scammers offer to deliver for between £50-£200, but ask you to pay the courier by bank transfer first.

The item you are purchasing can be paid for by cash or bank transfer ON DELIVERY. All very believable as that’s how most courier companies operate. The odds are you will never receive any goods and will have lost the delivery money. Our advice is either to try to collect in person or arrange your own collection/delivery to be certain the item exists and is legitimate and do not pay until you have received the item in satisfactory condition!

The bank are unlikely to give you the money back. It is however important to ensure you have ticked the box saying for goods and services if paying by bank transfer to have any chance of getting your money back.

It’s also important to report it to www.actionfraud.police.uk. If in doubt contact us first – our advice is free.