Aberdeenshire police warning of fraudulent firewood adverts on social media

Police are warning of criminals taking advantage of the cold snap with fraudulent adverts for firewood on Facebook.

Several residents in Aberdeenshire have fallen victim to the scam.

The advert typically offers five tons of firewood for sale at the bargain price of £200.

PC Michael Urquhart of the North East Crime Reduction Team said: “Once victims respond to the advert the scammers then request further payments for ‘insurance.’

“If buying firewood for the winter use reputable local companies and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

“Beware of adverts for large amounts of wood at ‘too good to be true’ prices.”

To prevent fraud on Facebook Marketplace the police’s advice is:

• Do a little research and verify who you’re talking to.

• Pay for items through Facebook or PayPal.

• Meet the seller in person, if possible.

• Don’t pay for an item before receiving it.

• Remember – if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

For advice on how to stay safe online visit www.scotland.police.uk or the National Cyber Security Centre www.ncsc.gov.uk website.