HITCHIN: Herts Police is warning residents to be wary of a scam involving fake banking apps after more people in our area have been scammed by banking app fraud.

Scammers have targeted individuals who were selling valuable phones, cameras and other items via online selling platforms.

The vendors were contacted about their items and when the scammer arrived, paid for items using a convincing banking app.

The app mimicked apps from a number of banks and appeared to show the funds being transferred to the victim's bank account.

Around eight offences have been reported since over the last three weeks including North Herts.

Detective Sergeant Mark Fava, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: "This scam is catching a lot of people out as the app is very convincing.

"The scammer asks the victim to enter their bank details into the app and then it appears to show the amount being debited from the buyer's account.

"I would urge anyone selling an item to be sceptical about accepting payment via a banking app. Payment by cash, credit card or using Paypal for Business is a more secure way of making a sale.

"Please help us to raise awareness by talking about this with your friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable or elderly."

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam please report online to www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.