Criminals are taking advantage of the cold snap with fraudulent adverts for firewood on Facebook. Several residents in Aberdeenshire have fallen victim to the scam. The advert typically offers 5 tons of firewood for sale at the bargain price of £200. Once victims respond to the advert the scammers then request further payments for ‘insurance.’

If buying firewood for the winter use reputable local companies and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Beware of adverts for large amounts of wood at ‘too good to be true’ prices.

To prevent fraud on Facebook Marketplace -

Do a little research and verify who you’re talking to.

Pay for items through Facebook or PayPal.

Meet the seller in person, if possible.

Don’t pay for an item before receiving it

Remember – if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

For advice on how to stay safe online visit 

www.scotland.police.uk or

the National Cyber Security Centre at

www.ncsc.gov.uk 

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.