Officers investigating a series of reported frauds involving items sold through Facebook in the Bournemouth and Poole area are issuing images of a man they would like to identify.

Three incidents are under investigation, which were reported to have occurred on Sunday 7 April 2024.

It was reported on each occasion the victims had advertised items, such as games consoles and cameras, for sale on Facebook and a man arrived at their address to purchase them. He showed them what appeared to be a banking transaction on his mobile phone, claiming it may take up to two hours for the funds to clear in the victim’s account.

The man then left with the goods and payment was never received.

Police Constable Emily Dilke, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are conducting a number of enquiries into these reports, and I am issuing images of a man we would like to identify as part of our investigation.

View images here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/11719bec-ccfb-ee11-9d64-6045bdd24049

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact us.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing items online. Always check and be completely satisfied the money is in your bank before you hand over goods – genuine buyers will accept that this is the correct practice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240052963. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.