Trading Standards Scotland has issued a warning about a scam on Facebook Marketplace for those selling items on the platform. 

The body says several people who sell items via Facebook Marketplace have been targeted by scammers who pose as buyers.

A spokesperson said: "They message the seller and say they are too busy to collect the items but will send a courier to the seller's house, with cash on delivery.

"If the seller agrees to this, the scammer often asks them to pay insurance for the envelope that supposedly contains the cash payment.

"They send an email that appears to be from a delivery company such as DPD or UPS, which includes a link to pay the fee.

"They say this will be refunded once the item has been received, and the link actually leads to a website designed to gather personal and banking details."

Trading Standards Scotland has provided tips on how to avoid being scammed in this way. 

The spokesperson added: "Most legitimate delivery companies do not offer a service where a courier will carry cash payments and pick up an item.

"DPD have confirmed that they are aware of this scam and that they would never be involved in marketplace collections, 'insurance fees' or cash payments.

"Be suspicious if a buyer on any online marketplace offers to pay for an item using a courier or another unusual method or if they ask you to pay any kind of insurance/delivery costs.

"Don't click on any links in suspicious emails. If you do click on a link, do not provide bank or security details and never download software on to your device.

"Report any suspicious behaviour to the site you are using. If you have lost money, report this to Police Scotland on 101."

Advice from Facebook on buying and selling safely on the platform can be found at www.facebook.com/help/1156544111079919.