Sutton Trading Standards is warning online buyers to take care after an employee of Sutton Council nearly became a victim of fraud.

The fraudsters used a well rehearsed scam. First they trawl the internet looking to buy expensive items such as cars. Then they send a cheque for more than the full amount.

They ask for the excess money to be sent back to them along with the item and by the time the cheque is found to be invalid, the thief has already made off with the goods and money.

Councillor Simon Wales said: “There are a number of clues that give away this scam, but the simplest defence is to use secure online payment systems and never post cheques.”

Anyone suspicious of a buyer should keep all e-mail correspondence and contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit the Consumer Direct Website on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

For further advice and information visit www.sutton.gov.uk/tradingstandards.