People allegedly stung by an internet scammer on Central Otago buy and sell social media pages are warning buyers to beware.
Online complaints are mounting about a profile named Jayda Fleet offering goods and not responding once money is paid.
Motueka woman June Ryan said she was stung last week when she tried to find accommodation for Christmas in the Teviot Valley, where her daughter lives.
"I paid a $150 bond and $300 for the week and then stopped hearing back."
Once she posted about the experience to warn others it "opened up a can of worms" of similar experiences.
Ms Ryan said she reported the incident to Motueka police who told her they had identified the woman and were investigating the incidents.
The woman did not reply to requests for comment yesterday.
Alexandra woman Catherine Hamilton said she deposited $450 for firewood into a bank account supplied by the Jayda Fleet profile, but never heard back once the money was paid.
"I find it extremely disheartening. The wider community here in Alex were amazing, though. We had heaps of offers of wood from friends which although we are fortunate enough not to need, it certainly restored my faith in humanity."
Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, would not comment on individual cases, but said police "encourage anyone who believes they have been subject to fraudulent behaviour to contact their local police station".
