Detectives in Ballymoney are investigating a number of incidents where people have lost money through fake 'escrow' payment systems

Customers forward the agreed price for auction items to third parties known as escrows. The money is released when the customer confirms receipt of the goods.

However, the police say criminals are creating fake escrow services and recommending them to customers.

The fraudsters advertise a non-existent item at an attractive price on a legitimate auction website.

Fake

If a prospective customer expresses an interest, the fraudster will recommend the fake escrow. The thief will then collect the transferred money using a forged identity.

People risk losing thousands of pounds through the scam, police have warned.

They say legitimate internet auction sites usually have their own approved methods of payment.

The thieves rely on persuading customers to leave the legitimate site and deal directly with them using an escrow service they "highly recommend".