Man charged with 18 offences over alleged Facebook scam

A thorough investigation into reports of victims falling foul of a social media marketplace scam has seen a man charged with 18 offences.

Officers with our Economic Crime Team have conducted detailed enquiries into reports received from multiple people across areas in Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

All complainants told us they placed items for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

They reported that when the items were collected, money was promised and a

bank transfer appeared to take place, but no payment was ever received.
Following careful investigations into each report, officers made an arrest.

Charges, including 17 counts of fraud by false representation and one count of sending a communication conveying a threatening message, have since been authorised against Stephen Stokes, 30, of Arterial Road, Wickford.

He is set to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 30 October.

The Essex allegations relate to areas including South Ockendon, Great Notley, Basildon, Rochford, Witham and Grays.

'Know the risks'

Officer in the case, DC Gail Wilkinson, of our Economic Crime Unit, said:

“While the benefits are many, online shopping and selling carries its own risks.
“There are a number of steps you can take to ensure you stay safe while selling items online.”

Safety advice and information on online shopping can be found here: Online shopping | Essex Police

For advice on how to stay safe and protect your home, yourself, your business and your vehicles from crime, please visit our crime prevention pages.

You can also find out more general information about crime, the law and staying safe on our advice and information pages.