FRAUDSTERS are targeting the region's used-car buyers online, experts have warned.

The scammers are using internet shopping sites to advertise vehicles for sale which do not exist, according to Action Fraud.

A warning issued recently said: "After agreeing to purchase the vehicle via email with the fraudsters, buyers then receive emails purporting to be from Amazon Payments or Amazon Flexible Payment Service.

"The emails state that their money will be held in an 'escrow account' and once happy with the purchase, the email indicates the money will be released to the seller, therefore offering buyer protection.

"In reality, these emails are fraudulent and do not come from Amazon, the bank accounts are controlled by fraudsters."

To protect against such scams, Action Fraud recommend meeting sellers face-to-face to view vehicles before parting with money and checking feedback online by searching phone numbers or email addresses associated with the seller.

Buyers should be vigilant in relation to emails purporting to be from genuine companies and double-check the domain name of the email address for inconsistencies.

Anyone affected by the fraud or any other scam should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.