How to avoid being a victim of online auction scams.

Action Fraud , the National Crime Intelligence Bureau has passed on this warning about on-line auctions.

Online auction sites are regularly targeted by fraudsters advertising desirable items for sale which are below market value, but do not exist. Fraudsters use a variety of techniques to persuade the potential buyer that the item is genuine and that any advanced payment will be protected or reimbursed should the product be faulty or not received.

Protect yourself:

• Stay within the auction guidelines stipulated on the website.
• Payments made via bank transfer, money transfer or e-money are not protected, should you not receive the item.
• View the item in person if possible.
• If the item advertised seems too good to be true, it probably is.