24/04/2017
Woman Scammed Out Of Over £4,000 On Fake Used Car Website
A woman from Belfast has been scammed of over £4,000 on a fake used car sales website.
The 32-year-old victim was caught out when she bought a 2012 Ford Focus she saw on a used car sales website of a business claiming to be based in England.
She spoke online with the business before agreeing to make a bank transfer payment of £4,200.
The website which had over 100 cars displayed was fake and has now closed down. The lady did not receive her car and has been unable to recover her money.
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) has issued a warning to consumers when considering online purchases.
Bill Malloy from the TSS said: "Once again, Northern Ireland consumers are considerably out of pocket. People should never conclude a deal from someone without being able to touch the car in question and to deal face to face with the seller. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Even when such websites are shut down they will re-emerge under a different name but using the same tactics."
(CD)
The 32-year-old victim was caught out when she bought a 2012 Ford Focus she saw on a used car sales website of a business claiming to be based in England.
She spoke online with the business before agreeing to make a bank transfer payment of £4,200.
The website which had over 100 cars displayed was fake and has now closed down. The lady did not receive her car and has been unable to recover her money.
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) has issued a warning to consumers when considering online purchases.
Bill Malloy from the TSS said: "Once again, Northern Ireland consumers are considerably out of pocket. People should never conclude a deal from someone without being able to touch the car in question and to deal face to face with the seller. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Even when such websites are shut down they will re-emerge under a different name but using the same tactics."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2024
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
26 March 2024
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
01 February 2024
Significant Progress Made On £1bn Belfast Region City Deal
Belfast City Council has announced that significant progress has been made on the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. Planning has been approved for Newtownabbey's Factory of the Future sit at Global Point and the contract for pre-construction has been awarded for this key component of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Significant Progress Made On £1bn Belfast Region City Deal
Belfast City Council has announced that significant progress has been made on the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. Planning has been approved for Newtownabbey's Factory of the Future sit at Global Point and the contract for pre-construction has been awarded for this key component of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
26 February 2024
PSNI Issues Warning Over Potential Holiday Fraud
People booking holidays have been urged to watch out for scammers, as new figures reveal that 89 reports of holiday fraud were made to the PSNI in 2023.
PSNI Issues Warning Over Potential Holiday Fraud
People booking holidays have been urged to watch out for scammers, as new figures reveal that 89 reports of holiday fraud were made to the PSNI in 2023.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.