Police are warning against a new fake banking app scam targeting people through social media.

West Yorkshire Police said criminals are using the ploy to take money from those selling goods on social media websites and ‘marketplaces’.

The fraudsters use a fake banking app which makes it look like money has been transferred when in fact it hasn’t. 

When a meeting takes place to hand over the item being sold, the victim puts their bank details into a fake app on the criminal’s phone.

It then produces a screen which makes it appear that any money has been successfully transferred.

But when the victim then checks their account, they find that the funds haven’t actually transferred. 

The scammer will then pretend to call their bank, when they are told it could take up to two hours for the funds to show – but it is never received.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit have issued the following tips to avoid falling victim to the scam:

  • Check the buyer’s review history and feedback - beware of accounts that may have been set up very recently with lots of favourable feedback that sounds similar.
  • Always use the site’s recommended payment site such as PayPal and read the terms and conditions to understand what you are protected for. If you pay any other way than via a recommended payment site, you may not be able to recover your money.
  • If you make payments in cash, consider carrying this out at yours or the seller’s bank premises for added protection.
  • Avoid direct bank transfers where possible. Use known third party payment providers after checking terms and conditions.
  • If payment is made via bank transfer, always check with your own bank if any payment is shown pending.
  • Keep hold of any property until you have received confirmation from your bank that the payment has been received successfully.
  • Trust your instincts, decline the sale if you have any doubts.

Police also urged people to stick to the original agreed meeting place, not hand over any goods until money is in your account, and avoid letting the buyer rush you before the payment has gone through.

You can call the force on 101 to report an incident or go online at westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

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