As bargain hunters head online, police are urging the public to stay vigilant when buying and selling goods through social media platforms.

Authorities say they’re continuing to see a rise in scams involving items listed for sale on community pages and marketplace groups.

In a post on Facebook, police said offenders were frequently using the same tactics to lure in victims — including requesting cash-only payments or asking buyers to visit a seller’s home address.

In some cases, alleged buyers have even provided fake residential addresses to gain the seller’s trust, police said.

Police encouraged anyone using social media to trade goods to prioritise safety and take extra steps to verify who they were dealing with.

“We’re asking people to take a cautious approach,” the post said.

“If something feels off, it probably is.”

Police have issued several tips for safer online buying and selling:

Use reputable trading sites whenever possible, rather than informal social media listings.

Check the seller’s profile. New, sparse, or suspicious accounts may indicate a fake profile.

Be cautious about meeting locations. If a seller insists on meeting only in a public or unusual place, it could signal an attempt to conceal their identity or sell stolen goods.

Watch for reluctance to meet in person. Buyers or sellers who insist on drop-offs or refuse face-to-face contact may be attempting to avoid being identified.

Beware of buyers offering full price without negotiation. This can be a red flag in scam attempts.

If you’re selling, confirm payment is in your account before handing over any item.

And the age-old advice still applies: if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Police are urging anyone who encounters a suspected scam to report it by calling 105 or by submitting a report online at 105.police.govt.nz. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.