Officers received reports across the city during that period from 19 victims, including 15 men and 4 women, aged 18 to 54.

The man first claimed he wished to purchase items like laptops, smartphones and video game consoles that the victims sell online. When they met up in person for the trade, the man would show the victims a phone screenshot, claiming he had transferred the money or deposited cheques into their bank accounts.

The victims who believed him then gave him the goods, only to find out later that the man had not paid a dime to them.

Officers added the man cheated about HK$500 to HK$17,000 from the victims in each trade.

This morning officers arrested the 32-year-old for obtaining property by deception, and confiscated a phone in his possession.

Police reminded the public to pay cash when meeting up for trades, or to meet up at an ATM to transfer the money immediately for their deals. Citizens are also encouraged to obtain the contact information of the buyers or sellers, in case they hope to file for compensation in the future.