Too good to be true? It probably is.

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Police are warning people to be careful about buying goods from social media.

That shiny new item on sale for a bargain may be too good to be true, police say.

The warning comes after two people were arrested for allegedly attempting to sell stolen items.

The arrests follow investigations into mail and parcel thefts in Hobsonville and Greenhithe, West Auckland.

An 18-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have been charged with burglary, theft of mail and fraud related matters.

A number of stolen items are appearing for sale on social media, a police spokesperson said.

Often these could be brand new items, which are stolen, listed for sale.

"In the past offenders have created fake profiles in order to sell stolen items, before blocking buyers shortly after," police said.

If buying online, you should:

*Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? It could be a fake profile.

*Be cautious if the seller insists on meeting at a public place. This could mean the vendor is selling stolen items and doesn't want to be identified.

*Use a reputable online site to sell items.

*Go by the saying, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."

If you are having parcels delivered, police recommend you require a signature for your delivery and arrange to have your parcel left in a place hidden from the road.

Recipients are encouraged to get their parcels delivered to a work address or if possible, to collect the goods from the courier's depot.

If you see suspicious activity, phone 111 immediately.

Phone 105 to report a burglary.

Have you been the victim of a parcel theft?

Have you seen goods on social media which seemed too good to be true?

If so, can you give some examples?

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