POLICE ARE warning East Hampshire residents to avoid job advertisements that could see them handling stolen goods and losing out financially.

Victims are recruited through job advertisements and dating websites and invited to take a job as a ‘Freight Forwarder.’ This involves having items delivered to their home, which have to be forwarded to clients.

The items which have been purchased through fraudulent means, including by stolen, or fraudulently obtained, credit cards are often electrical equipment or high value goods such as trainers, perfume and the latest phones.

A police spokesman for Hampshire Country Watch said: “Do not agree to receive packages at your address for someone that you do not know and trust. If you act as a ‘mule’ you are not only handling stolen goods, but also losing out financially.

“You will not get paid and you pay for the postage and delivery of the packages personally. Additionally, you will have provided enough of your personal details to allow identity theft to occur.”

Victims should contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk