Police come across and confiscate a bunch of goods regularly, such as items that were stolen, bought with drug money, etc. Every so often they organize an auction where they sell these items, usually for quite low prices, with all the proceeds going to a police charity.

Scammers advertise and organize fake Police online auctions, getting people’s attention (in order to pay for non-existent items), by making them think they are getting great deals. The victims always pay, but never receive anything.

How to avoid: just ignore the ad, Police departments never advertise their auctions globally.