Residents in Fleet and Church Crookham scammed on Facebook Marketplace, police launch appeal

The police have received reports that two people in Fleet and Church Crookham had advertised electrical goods on Facebook Marketplace in May. A man then used a fake profile with false details to contact the sellers to arrange collection for the items.

Once at the address, the money did not transfer into the seller’s account, but they were told this could take up to 24 hours for it to appear. At one address, the man told the seller they could take a photograph of his driving licence to ease any concerns. It has now transpired this licence did not belong to him. The man then left with the items and blocked the sellers on social media.

On Monday, May 20, a man attended an address on Walker Close, Church Crookham, to purchase a computer. On Friday, May 31, a man attended an address on Ryeland Close, Fleet, to purchase a phone.

Since this was reported to the police, officers have been carrying out various enquiries and they have released an image of a man they would like to speak with. He has been described as being white, aged in his mid-20s, and around 5ft 7ins tall. If you recognise him, please call 101 quoting the reference numbers above.

You can also report to the police online. Click here for more information.

Officers would like to take this opportunity to give residents some crime prevention advice if you are selling items online. Please do not hand over any of your property to someone before receiving payment. If at all possible, do not give your home address to strangers.