Scammers are using fake bank apps to con people out of money.
And police are urging the public to be extra vigilant after a rise in recent reports.
Some people have lost money after selling items on well-known online selling platforms.
Police say bogus buyers are making contact with sellers and once the transaction is agreed, the ‘buyer’ shows what appears to be a completed transfer into the victim’s account.
These transfers are being carried out on fake bank apps and no money is being transferred.
In one incident, a victim agreed to meet a supposed ‘buyer’ to arrange the sale of an iPhone XS and whilst the ‘buyer’ showed him a banking app in which the money appeared to be transferred, this money was never received.
On another occasion, a victim attempted to sell an Xbox 1 and again, whilst the bogus buyer appeared to show the agreed money being transferred, the money was not received.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Saunders, Criminal Investigation Branch said police want to encourage people to be very careful when selling items online.
“Fraudsters are continuously coming up with more sophisticated ways of taking money from unsuspecting victims and people of all ages and backgrounds are being conned out of money.
“We would advise people to never hand over goods until they have payment either in the form of cash in their hand or in their bank account which they have checked online.
“Once funds have been transferred they usually appear in an account within minutes so please take the time to check before parting with goods,” he added.
For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.
If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters please report them to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101.