RESIDENTS are being warned to remain vigilant following reports that thieves are using fake banking apps to trick people.

North Wales Police has issued the warning to sellers on Facebook Marketplace.

The force is urging sellers to be cautious when accepting bank transfers as this scam is "designed to part sellers from their goods for nothing."

Dewi Owen, North Wales Police Cyber Crime Officer, explained: "This fraud involves using fake banking apps to fool unsuspecting victims into thinking they have received payment for an item. 

"A fake banking app is an app that's designed to look like it comes from a bank but is actually used for deception.

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"This scam starts with the victim attempting to sell something online. The fraudster will then contact them offering to buy the item in person. 

"When the transaction takes place, the buyer will request to pay using an app. 

"The buyer will then open the fake app and will ask the seller to enter their bank details into the app. 

"They will then show the seller confirmation that a transfer has started. 

"Many sellers will accept this as proof that a payment has occurred and the buyer then leaves with the item.

"Buyers on occasions make phone calls to their bank and advise the seller that it can take upwards of two hours for the transfer to take place. 

"The seller usually won't realise that there is a problem until the bank transfer doesn't arrive."

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Financial abuse safeguarding officer, Detective Michelle Shirley, added: “Fake banking apps are designed to look identical to the real thing and the average person isn't aware of their existence. 

"The seller doesn't need to believe the buyer for very long and the buyer only needs to trick the seller long enough to leave with the item”.

The Economic Crime Unit has issued the following advice:

  • Don’t allow the buyer to rush you in an effort to persuade you that payment has been made.
  • 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.

For more information and help or to report this and other types of fraud, go to Action Fraud the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre or contact your local police force on ‘101’.