FRAUD squad officers have issued a warning to consumers seeking to buy drones on online shopping websites.

Drones are personal flying devices that often carry cameras and can be navigated remotely by smartphones or hand-held controllers. Fraudsters are capitalising on their recent popularity and advertising non-existent drones at very low prices to tempt buyers.

After victims agree to purchase the drone, the fraudsters request payment to be paid via bank transfer saying that it will quicken the delivery process. After transferring the money the buyers never receive the drone and the fraudster blocks the victim to prevent further conversation.

• People can protect yourself by:

• Checking that the site displays the secure padlock symbol.

• Avoiding paying by bank transfer and instead use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.

• Checking feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers may have made.

• Considering whether this opportunity is too good to be true.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visitwww.actionfraud.police.uk