A CHARITY has been conned out of more than £1800 by a callous internet fraudster.

The leader of the 4th Dovercourt Sea Scout Group Alan Baxter, tried to buy a replacement outboard for their rescue boat from marine classified website boatsandoutboards.co.uk.

However after transferring £1855 to the seller, the outboard never arrived and Mr Baxter was informed by the website that he had been a victim of fraud.

After reporting the matter to the police he was informed the seller claiming to be from the Isles of Scilly had used a false address during the transaction.

“To lose the money is devastating,” said Mr Baxter.

“I feel bad that it has happened to me and that the group has lost out because everyone who help out are volunteers and give up their time free of charge.”

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau said they were unable to comment on individual cases and none from boatsandoutboards.co.uk was available for comment.