University student left in financial ruin after online marketplace scam

A university student has lost nearly $30,000 after falling victim to an online marketplace scam.

Zane Facer was hoping to sell his 2003 Nissan Patrol online when he was contacted by an interested buyer, who first wanted to get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.

After agreeing to let the man take the car to the mechanic, the 23-year-old took a photo of the man's ID. But he never returned.

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The man instead sold the vehicle to another person for $4500, according to Facer.

"His intention was never to buy the car," he told 9News.

Police were able to eventually arrest the scammer, who was convicted in Warrnambool in October 2022.

But they didn't seize the vehicle, which was then totaled by someone connected to the new buyer.

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Can you pick the Black Friday scam text message?

Facer's insurer also denied his claim, because the vehicle was lost in a private sale online, even though the 23-year-old never saw a cent.

According to data from Sell Securely, more than a quarter of Australians have been targeted by scammers or other crooks while selling goods on an online marketplace - and the majority never report it.

Facer is now seeking compensation from Victoria Police.

"It was 25,000 and for a young person that's a lot of money, like I don't have other money other than that."

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A Victoria Police spokesperson said they were in discussions with the "individual involved in this matter".

"We have no record of having received the provided letter of demand but maintain positive communications with the individual," the spokesperson said.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident and what occurs next will now be assessed and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."