A 20-year-old Trinidadian man was allegedly scammed out of TT$2,700 (TT$6.78 = US$1) after purchasing what he believed was a Playstation 5 through Facebook Marketplace, only to later discover the package contained three large stones.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, officers of the Besson Street Police District are investigating a report of larceny by trick linked to the fraudulent sale.

Police said the victim, of Oropune Gardens, Piarco, contacted a Facebook account operating under the name “Luke Lewis” on May 4 regarding the purchase of the gaming console.

Investigators said the victim later met a male suspect at around 6 pm on May 8 at the corner of Park Street and Charlotte Street in Port of Spain, near the Republic Bank car park.

The suspect allegedly handed over a black plastic bag containing a box before receiving the agreed payment of TT$2,700.

Police said the suspect then walked east along Bath Street. When the buyer later inspected the package, he reportedly discovered that the box contained three large stones instead of the advertised Playstation 5.

The suspect was described as a slim-built man of African descent with a dark brown complexion, standing approximately 5’9” tall.

He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

Police said investigators have visited the scene, obtained a statement from the victim and requested CCTV footage as enquiries continue.

The TTPS is urging members of the public to exercise caution when conducting transactions through online marketplaces.

Police advised people to meet in safe public locations, inspect items thoroughly before making payments, avoid carrying large sums of cash and consider completing transactions at police stations or other secure locations.