Public appeal linked to ongoing fraud investigation
Officers are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with a fraud investigation in Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton.
At around 9.30am on Friday 24 April, a seller arranged to meet a man after advertising computer equipment for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The buyer provided false payment details and claimed the transaction had been completed. No money was received before he left with a computer graphics card, a mobile phone and a laptop.
Our enquiries indicate two similar offences, one in Bath and one in the Weston-super-Mare area, took place the previous day using the same method.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation, interviewed and released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Following a number of enquiries, we are now releasing an image of a man we would like to identify as we believe he may have information that could assist our investigation.
The man pictured is described as white, of stocky build and aged between 20 and 25 years old.
When buying or selling items through online marketplaces, always take steps to protect yourself from fraud. Never rely solely on screenshots or payment confirmations provided by a buyer. Check that funds have cleared in your account before handing over any goods and, where possible, arrange to meet in a safe, public place.
If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5226112785, or complete our online appeals form.