POLICE are warning those in rural areas to be cautious when purchasing tractors online following reports of a scam from an online sales platform’s senior investigator.

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Cyber Protect Unit has issued advice following reports of a scam on eBay’s website that has had devastating results for farmers across the UK.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “A senior investigator from eBay has alerted Devon and Cornwall Police to a UK wide scam involving the purchase of tractors from their sales platform. These tractors ultimately don’t exist.”

Police advise when buying any type of vehicle online people always: View the vehicle before buying and test drive it; Conduct basic HPI checks to ensure it is not stolen or has previously suffered damage; Always agree to meet the seller at their home or place of work to view the vehicle, never in a layby or at a service station; Always physically check the documentation to the vehicle and that serial numbers match.

If anyone has been a victim of fraud they are asked to report it to Action Fraud at www.actionafraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.