An investigation by the fraud department of a national bank has found that more than a third of adverts on Facebook Marketplace could be scams, with UK consumers losing nearly £60m in 2023.

The investigation calculated that 34 per cent of the listings were fraudulent including directing buyers to fake websites and refusing permission to view the item in person, demanding advance fees.

They also found items such as phones and cars advertised as brand new for hundreds or thousands of pounds less than their retail price – the investigator was directed to a scam website to make the payment.

The most common items used in these scams are vehicles and parts, phones, shoes and clothing, games consoles and accessories, concert and festival tickets, furniture and household appliances.

Here's the top tips from Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership:

· Scammers will clone innocent people's Facebook pages to carry out their scams.

· If you are looking to buy something on Facebook Marketplace try to keep it local so you can see the item in person. If this is refused then don’t engage in the transaction.

· Be wary of larger “free” items that can be delivered for a fee – quite often the item doesn’t exist and you pay the delivery up front and nothing arrives.

· Stop and think before making the purchase.

· If something sounds too good to be true – it probably is!

Reporting a Scam

· For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 250 5050

· To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040