ALERT: Clare investigate alleged fraud as man selling online goods is conned by 'buyer'

Gardai have confirmed they are investigating an alleged incident of fraud in County Clare during which a man was conned out of a quantity of money.

Highlighting the incident, they say the injured party advertised an electrical item for sale online and that he was subsequently contacted by an individual purporting to be a buyer.

"It was agreed to meet at his home and it appears that the suspect showed what the injured party understood to be the image of the online banking transfer (EFT Electronic Fund transfer) from the suspect's device," explained crime prevention officer Sergeant Catriona Holohan.

"It is believed that the image shown to him was fake and contained fake account details, deceiving him into believing or thinking the transaction was in progress," she added.

No further details have been disclosed publicly.

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Sgt Holohan says purchasing or selling items privately carries a risk and she is advising that sellers should check their own online banking to see that any payments are reflected in their own account transactions.

"There is still no protection if stolen card details for example were used to make a payment to such an injured party as the funds would likely be recalled from his account. Electronic payments in this manner carry certain risk if the goods you are
selling have to be handed over before you are satisfied that the payment has reached your account," she said.

"It’s a matter for an individual selling privately how they accept payment, but it is worth calculating the risk in the individual method of payment you decide to go with," she added.