FRAUDULENT payments for items sold on Facebook in Poole and Bournemouth are being investigated by police.

Officers have released an image of a person they would like to trace in connection with the incidents, reported to have taken place on Sunday, April 7.

During each incident, victims said they 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.

PC 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.

Officers are keen to identify this person in connection with the incidents. Pictures: Dorset Police

“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 about the identity of the person pictured should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240052963. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.