Online Marketplaces for Used Goods: Sellers at Risk of Being Deceived
In a recent alert, the Hessen Consumer Advice Center has warned sellers using online second-hand platforms like Kleinanzeigen.de and Vinted.de to be vigilant against phishing scams. These scams often target sellers who may be new to the platforms and are unaware of the red flags.
When dealing with unknown buyers, sellers should exercise caution. Scammers may pose as genuine buyers, but their intentions are fraudulent. They prey on the trust, expectations, and lack of knowledge of sellers who have never used the platform's trust-building offers.
Scammers often create very convincing fake versions of the respective sales platforms to deceive sellers. They may use links or QR codes sent via SMS, email, or messenger to lure sellers away from official platforms to these fake sites.
Communication during transactions should only happen through the platform. Sellers should not reveal email addresses or phone numbers, nor be lured away from the platform. Scammers on phishing sites may prompt sellers to enter account or credit card details, claiming it is necessary to receive the buyer's money.
Sellers should remember that they receive money, not pay, in secure transactions on Second-Hand Portals. If there are any unusual or unexpected requests or communications during a transaction, sellers should be wary.
Scammers do not actually release and transfer the paid amount once the buyer confirms receipt of the item, as claimed in their fraudulent schemes. In fact, entering such information on phishing sites can result in scammers making debits, causing irreversible financial damage, especially if a payment has been approved in a bank app.
To protect themselves, sellers are advised to find out exactly how the payment works on a platform and to be alert to any deviations. They should never transmit personal or sensitive data. After an incident, the platform account password should be changed, and two-factor authentication for login should be enabled.
Sellers who have fallen into an online fraud trap can use the free Emergency Check Page of the consumer centers for guidance on what to do next. If fraud or fraudulent accounts are encountered, they should be reported to the respective platform operator and a police report filed.
Consumer advocates also recommend following safety tips such as monitoring account movements and immediately contacting the bank if there are any unusual debits. Sellers should always verify the authenticity of any links or QR codes received during a transaction before clicking or scanning.
In conclusion, while second-hand platforms offer a convenient way to buy and sell items, sellers must be cautious to avoid falling victim to phishing scams. By following these safety tips, sellers can ensure a safe and successful transaction.
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