There are also dubious traders on the classifieds markets on the Internet. You can fall into traps both when selling and when buying. The Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) therefore advises caution before consumers transfer large amounts of money to unknown people.
When selling expensive items: Be careful of alleged buyers
VZB is repeatedly contacted by those affected who have become victims of dubious business practices via classified ad portals.
A man from Brandenburg placed an advertisement for the sale of his used car on the Internet. A potential buyer contacted him and informed him that although he could not view the car in person, he would transfer the purchase price in advance and have the car picked up by a shipping company. The consumer then received an email from a supposed bank abroad. He was informed that the agreed purchase price and additional shipping costs would be paid out to him. In order for the money to be finally transferred to the consumer's account, he or she must pay around 1,400 euros to the shipping company in advance.
“Affected people should under no circumstances engage in transactions in which they are asked to pay in advance for items such as shipping, customs, insurance and the like when selling goods. Anyone who has fallen victim to such fraud should contact their bank as quickly as possible and file a report with the police,” says Michèle Scherer, digital world expert at VZB.
After the consumer had transferred the money to the alleged shipping company, instead of a credit to his bank account, he received another payment request for around 2,000 euros, this time for insurance that was supposedly to be paid in advance. This was followed by an email exchange with the wrong bank and a WhatsApp chat with the alleged buyer, both of which pressured the consumer to transfer the money. Since the consumer seemed suspicious, he ended the contact.
Bargain hunting with a cool head: Don't fall for fake offers
You should also be careful when browsing the portals, because there are dangers lurking: alleged sellers offer bargains at extremely low prices or things that cannot currently be found in stores or at official sales outlets. Consumers are supposed to pay the purchase price in advance, but then do not receive their goods. The scammers often seek contact via SMS or messenger and offer to send their ID card in order to give their offer the appearance of seriousness.
“Be suspicious if a prospective customer or seller suggests a communication channel outside of the advertising portal,” advises Scherer. “If you have found what you think is a bargain on the online advertising portal, if in doubt, do not pay in advance. Notes and reviews from other users, even outside the portal, can provide an indication of the seriousness of the offer,” says the expert.
The VZB has put together alternative payment options and their advantages and disadvantages here .
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