Police are warning people to be wary of using online groups to sell gadgets following a spate of reported frauds.

Since February, officers have received a number of reports where people have sold items such as phones and tablets over local auction websites, such as Facebay, but have not been paid.

Victims are instructed they will receive payment through a bank transfer and are shown a screenshot which appears to prove a transfer has been authorised.

The items are delivered by the victims, who then discover no payments have actually been made.

Facebook Messenger has also reportedly been used to liaise with victims of frauds and officers are urging anyone using community selling websites to be vigilant.

The warning, which has been issued to residents of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in particular, follows the arrest of a teenage boy.

The 15-year-old, from Tonbridge, was arrested in connection with the scam and is currently bailed, pending further enquiries, until later this month.

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, or have any information which may help police, call 01622 604100, quoting reference SI/YY/684/17.