A Masterton woman has been arrested for repeatedly scamming people on Facebook Marketplace.
The 32-year-old is set to appear in court on August 19 in relation to her online offending and other shoplifting charges.
Police became aware of the scam when a member of the public reported they had spent $95 on a multitool listed by the woman, but never received it.
When officers looked into the woman's bank statements, they discovered she had sold the same tool 47 times in less than two weeks.
Police were concerned by the number of people who fell for the scam without reporting it.
"This is not an uncommon occurrence and it is not limited to multitools but cell phones, vehicles, electronics and other goods," Snr Sgt Ian Osland said in a statement on Thursday.
"Many people choose not to [report scams] out of embarrassment at being deceived, however they should be assured that police will take any report seriously."
He warns anyone buying items online should be careful and use regulated websites, such as Trade Me.
"If you decide to purchase off social media, we encourage you to take basic precautions to protect yourself."
These precautions include meeting people in public places, and bringing a friend. He also urges people not to enter strangers' homes, and not to allow strangers into theirs.
