This is the dramatic moment an alleged scammer was arrested after selling non-existent face masks to unsuspecting customers worried about the coronavirus.

Somkid Duangprom, 29, reportedly lured desperate people to buy personal protection equipment (PPE) then disappeared when he received the money.

Alleged victim Prapaporn Wangwissawawich, 41, said she contacted Somkid asking to buy face masks in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.

Prapaporn told police she transferred 80,000THB (1,980GBP) to the seller but he fled. The teacher called police at the end of March.

Officers arrested Somkid last Sunday afternoon (April 4).

Police Colonel Weerachon Boonthawee said: "The suspect cheated people who were worried about catching the virus. He told them he had high quality face masks for sale and after he received the money he would cut all the contact with the victim."

Officers said the suspect had deceived 16 victims and received around 200,000THB (4,950GBP) for the face masks that never turned up.

The police chief added that this should warn people to be more careful when ordering face masks, especially during the shortage caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus.

He said: "Face masks are now scarce in the country and there are numerous opportunities for the scammers to exploit the situation.

"People should be more careful when they order goods. We are willing to help those who have been cheated but people must be vigilant.'''