A 26-year-old Hamilton woman has appeared in court after being arrested and charged following a Police investigation into an alleged online marketplace scam that is believed to have netted around $100,000 worth of goods over the past two months.
Hamilton Police allege the woman targeted sellers advertising items through online marketplace platforms. Investigators say she allegedly met sellers in person, presented fake bank transfer confirmations as proof of payment, and left with the goods before any money had been received.
Police claim the alleged offending involved a range of high-value items, including vehicles and electronic equipment, with the combined value estimated at approximately $100,000. Following enquiries, officers identified and arrested the woman.
The woman appeared in Hamilton District Court facing seven charges of using a forged document, one charge of theft, and one charge of obtaining a document for pecuniary advantage. She has been remanded on bail and is due to reappear in court on 31 July.
Police are using the case as a reminder for anyone buying or selling through online marketplaces to take extra precautions. Sellers are being urged to independently verify that funds have cleared in their own bank account before handing over goods, rather than relying on screenshots or payment confirmations supplied by buyers. For higher-value transactions, Police recommend meeting in public places with CCTV coverage and considering cash payments where appropriate.
Authorities are also encouraging anyone who believes they may have been affected by a similar scam to report the matter, as investigators continue to determine whether there are additional victims linked to the alleged offending.
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