Almost £150,000 has been lost by people attempting to buy e-scooters that are never delivered.
Despite a ban on the electric scooters in public places their rise in popularity is leading to growing numbers of bogus sales, says Action Fraud.
Victims reporting suspected scams to the National Cyber Security Centre say they are being caught out ordering from bogus companies selling e-scooters on fake websites only to find the order never arrives and when they return to the website they bought from they find it has disappeared or been shut down.
Officers have also received numerous reports of individual sellers offering e-scooters for sale via online market places and social media platforms, taking payment, and then failing to deliver the scooter once the money has been sent.
Owning or trying to buy an e-scooter is not illegal.
But unless you’re living in an area – such as Canterbury – where a government backed trial of the up and coming mode of transport is taking place then riding them on public roads, pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas currently remains illegal.
Those caught breaking the law could face a fine or points on their driving licence while police can also seize the scooter.
But despite the restrictions on where they can be used the popularity of electric scooters has continued to increase…
