CUMBRIA Police are advising caution when responding to emails received as a result of transactions on eBay or PayPal.

There have been reports of emails circulating to genuine eBay sellers that are from scammers trying to get items posted that they have not purchased.

Some also falsely state that additional funds have been deposited, above the value of the item and request that the seller transfer the extra money into another account.

When purchasing items on eBay and paying via PayPal, any subsequent contact or emails should be checked via your personal account on the website direct.

Do not click onto any links on emails received but log into your account on the genuine website, with a secure password and check the inbox.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam involving these websites, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk  for more advice on reporting.

For more information about staying safe visit www.pages.ebay.co.uk/safetycentre/help.html
or www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/phishing

Advice is also available on the Cumbria Police website at: www.cumbria.police.uk/admin/uploads/attachment/files/Advice_and_Info/Fraud/eBay_PayPal_safe_guide.doc