Be vigilant against re-emerging ruse

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NSW police have warned of an elaborate scam targeting retirees wanting to buy caravans from classified adverts in newspapers.

They have received "numerous" reports in recent weeks relating to the re-emerging ruse involving crooked sellers of RVs.

It begins with what appears to be a genuine classified advertising a sale price below market value.

The advertisement will feature a mobile number, which will not be answered, instead responding via a text message claiming they are unable to talk on the phone.

After asking if the buyer is interested in the item, the scammer may direct the conversation to email to conduct price negotiations.

Once a price is agreed, the scammer requests a considerable upfront payment ‒ up to 50 percent ‒ by electronic transfer, then provides instructions to contact a freight company to arrange delivery and make final payment.

"It is understood the freight company contact details provided defer to another scammer, who takes a final payment before providing a fraudulent tracking number," a police spokesperson explained.

"The goods are never delivered and the money is not able to be recovered."

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad have launched an investigation and are urging the public to be vigilant when purchasing items through online or newspaper classifieds.