BROMLEY police are investigating an online scam which has led to people being tricked out of hundreds of pounds.

A woman, claiming to be from Orpington, has been approaching people through websites such as Preloved and Facebook saying she has goods they are looking for.

But once buyers have transferred money to her she stops communicating with them.

News Shopper has received a number of reports of the rip-off from people as far afield as Buckinghamshire and Camberley.

The alleged con artist mainly approaches people about equestrian equipment, but has also done so with iPads and iPhones.

She hands over an address in Lovibonds Avenue, Orpington, although it is thought she does not actually live there.

Sarah Fowler, 25, of Camberley, was scammed for £300 last week.

She said: "I had a wanted ad up on Preloved. It was for a saddle.

"She got in touch saying she had the exact thing I saw looking for.

"I asked her if she had a Paypal account but she said she didn't and asked me to send the money via bank transfer, which probably should have made me think twice.

"She said it would be delivered the next day (Wednesday July 3).

"When it hadn't been delivered by 12 o'clock on Thursday (July 4) I tried calling her, I left her voicemails, I sent her text messages, but she went quiet.”

She added:"I feel humiliated and stupid by the fact I was taken in by this person.

"The fact there is nothing that can be done is terrible."

Katherine Miller, 48, of Buckinghamshire, was scammed for £420 last month, also after putting an ad up on Preloved.

She said: "I was looking for a specific make of saddle.

"She contacted me via text message and said she had the saddle I wanted.

"I did the bank transfer on the Wednesday.

"When it still hadn't arrived by six on the Thursday I tried calling her, I left a voicemail, I sent her text messages.

"She just went cold.

"I am furious. I can't believe what has happened.”

A Bromley police spokesman said officers are currently seeking a 21-year-old woman in connection with the allegations.

Anyone with any information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.