Selling or buying items on Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms like Gumtree has become a popular way for Essex residents to find great deals or clear out unwanted goods. Imagine you’ve just listed a sofa or a bike, and suddenly a buyer messages you asking if it’s still available. It seems straightforward, but behind this simple question, scammers are increasingly active, especially in Essex, using fake bank transfer scams to trick sellers out of their goods. The rise i

“I nearly paid him £1,200 at my front door…” These words still echo in Mrs. Thompson’s mind, a resident of Essex who recently faced a frightening doorstep scam. It was a moment that could have cost her dearly, but thankfully, she paused just in time. Stories like hers are becoming all too common, especially among elderly residents who are often the targets of rogue traders in Essex. A Polite Stranger at the Door It started with a knock on the door one quiet afternoon. A well-