Police are seeking public assistance to identify two men after a number of deceptions occurred in Melbourne, including Point Cook and Spotswood, during January.
Police said they believed two men could be working together to carry out the crimes.
At 9pm on January 17, a male offender has picked up a car advertised on Facebook Marketplace and made payment using a cheque. The following day the cheque was cancelled by the bank.
At 10.45pm on the same night, the stolen car was seen at a petrol station in Spotswood, where a man filled the car with petrol before driving off without making an attempt to pay.
On January 19 at 3.20pm, the same offender and vehicle entered a petrol station in Point Cook, where the offender filled the vehicle with petrol and drove away without paying.
The first offender is perceived to be African in appearance, aged in his late teens to early 20s, approximately 190cm tall with short, dreadlocked hair and diamond studs in both ears.
At 4.30pm on January 20, the second offender contacted their victim on Facebook and arranged payment for a laptop via cheque. After meeting the victim at a shopping centre in Glen Waverley and receiving the laptop, the cheque was later cancelled by the bank.
The second offender is perceived to be African in appearance, aged in his late teens to early 20s, approximately 190cm tall with a thin build.
Police have released images of two men whom they believe may be able to assist in their inquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
