POLICE are probing claims parents have been ripped off after an alleged scammer stole money they’d paid for dolls as Christmas presents for their children.
Trusting mums and dads shelled out hundreds of pounds for incredibly-lifelike baby dolls to delight their kids on Christmas Day.
The hand-painted items were advertised online on the FaceBay Dundee Facebook site, apparently made by a seller calling themselves Jennifer Aitken.
At least 40 eager parents rushed to get their hands on them paying £140 per doll into a bank account.
But they have been left “heartbroken and furious” after the toys failed to materialise.
Dad John Thomson, from Dundee, paid more than £200 for two dolls for daughters Paige, 10, and Erin, eight.
“We can afford to replace them but I’ve been speaking to parents who’ve been in tears because they’ve not got the money to buy new ones. It’s disgusting.”
The 32-year-old said his wife Julie, 31, saw the dolls online and sent a message via Facebook to the seller asking for two of them.
The seller asked for an £80 deposit, which John paid. Last week, she sent John a picture of a doll to tell him that it was ready and that the other would soon be on its way.
He settled the outstanding balance but became worried when messages from more alleged victims started to appear on Facebook and the dolls didn’t turn up.
John said: “She had been sending messages to us that were really helpful and friendly then she suddenly blocks people from her Facebook account.”
Danielle McGinnis reported the alleged scam to Police Scotland after she paid a £50 deposit for a doll for her daughter Macy-Leigh, which was never delivered.
She said police told her they were aware of about 40 other people who claimed a seller of that name had defrauded them of money they’d paid for dolls.
“It was supposed to be a present for my wee girl,” she said. “I want to warn other people so it doesn’t happen to them too.”
Danielle also said that a woman called Sam Paget, who legitimately sells the dolls, contacted her claiming the pictures the alleged scammer was using to advertise them were actually photos of her creations.
With more than two weeks to go before Christmas, there is still a chance the dolls could be delivered. But parents affected are not holding out much hope.
“It looks like we’re not going to see our money or the dolls,” said John.
Last night a spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of these allegations and are looking into them.”
The Sunday Post called at an address linked to the seller but were unable to contact Ms Aitken.
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