Police are investigating a Blenheim man who they believe fleeced internet traders of nearly $15,000 and then fled overseas.

Detective Richard Rolton, of Blenheim CIB, told NZPA complaints had been received from 15 buyers after they transferred funds for laptop computers the man was selling via the Trade Me website between January 12 and 20.

The man was selling the laptops for $850 each, and his advertisement said “please allow 7/14 days for postage for laptops will be double-checked for faults”.

However, the total amount owing to buyers is $14,630.

The man had been trading on the Trade Me site for a while and had received positive feedback from other buyers up until he sold the laptops.

Posted: 02|21|06 at 10:14 am. Filed under: Auction News.