Warning about online car scam

Scammers posing as an RAAF member who needs to urgently sell a car online before an overseas deployment have fleeced money from Australians.

Police say the scam involves a Holden SUV for sale at a discount price on websites including eBay, Gumtree and Carsales.

When a buyer inquires about the car they are told the seller is a member of the RAAF, sometimes identifying himself as David Bord, who is about to be deployed overseas.

The buyer is told the price is low because the sale is urgent.

Buyers are then told transfer money via Western Union to a third party and once the money is received all communication ceases and the car is re-advertised, police say.

Police have identified a number of victims throughout Victoria and across Australia.

They are warning people to do thorough research before committing to providing funds.

Advice for people who have been the victim of a scam can be found at http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Reports of online scams can also be made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission via that website.