A random text to Luan Nguyen offering a recently bought iPad for $700 was a deal too good for the Otago Polytechnic management student to turn down.
"I didn't know who he was. But I told him I did want to buy an iPad."
Mr Nguyen (25) said after exchanging many texts, he asked for a photograph and a receipt, as the seller claimed he had bought it from a national retail store a month earlier.
When a photograph was supplied, a receipt was promised and delivery arranged, Mr Nguyen transferred the $700 into an Auckland bank account.
However, he was shocked to discover his promised delivery contained not an iPad 2 but a clock from a cut-price store.
"I was very angry."
After attempts to contact the seller proved fruitless, Mr Nguyen contacted his bank, New Zealand Post, the Community Law Centre and police in a bid to get his money back.
"I think this guy has done this before. Maybe other people can be fooled like me."
Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said the incident served as a reminder for people to be careful when buying items from people they did not know.
Inquiries into the incident were continuing.
- Have you been the subject of a text scam? Send details to: hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz
