You sell a bicycle via a classified ad on Ländleanzeiger.at. An interested party contacts you and wants to buy it. Because the interested party doesn't have access to their bank account at the moment, they want to pay by check. After a few days, a check actually arrives - but for an amount that is far too high. Be careful: the check is fake. Break off contact, you will be cheated. Our partners at Watchlist Internet explain this perfidious scam, which can also occur on other classifieds portals such as Willhaben, Vinted, Shpock and Co.

This is how the check fraud scam works on the classifieds portals

  • You advertise a product.
  • Someone wants to buy it. The person asks for your phone number or email address because it is easier to discuss everything via WhatsApp or email.
  • The interested party asks a few questions about the product, but wants to buy it without negotiating the price.  
  • The person lives abroad but will organize delivery. They supposedly have no effort. Payment is made by check because the buyer cannot make any transfers at the moment.
  • If you agree, you should provide your name, address and bank details.
  • A few days later a check actually arrives. But the sum is higher than the purchase price. Apparently the excess amount is for the delivery company that collects the goods from you. You should pay the delivery company with it.
  • The criminals assume that you do not pay the amount with the money from the check, but rather withdraw or transfer it from your account.
  • Either a person actually comes and collects the goods and the money, or a fake delivery company contacts you and demands that the amount be transferred. The criminals often pose as Post or DHL and fake their website in order to appear credible.
  • If you pay, you will lose your money because the check is fake and bounced!

Detect fraudulent intentions from buyers

  • The person allegedly lives abroad.
  • Criminals prefer to communicate on WhatsApp or email. The reason for this is simple: the platforms' news portals automatically detect fraudulent messages. You would be warned about fraud.
  • The sales process is not as usual.
  • The person wants to pay by check.

Classified ad fraud is booming

Criminals are active on all common classifieds platforms. However, fraud involving counterfeit checks is likely to be rare. Readers often report to us about fake payment platforms where you can supposedly claim the purchase amount. In reality, you do not receive any money, but rather release an amount. You can read exactly how this works here .

With these tips, fraudsters have no chance with you! Read what you should pay attention buying and selling on classifieds platforms

Help, I paid!

  • Once you have transferred the money, you should contact your bank immediately. It may be possible to get the money back.
  • If you gave the money to a fake supplier, there is no chance of getting it back.
  • File a police report.

Source:

Watchlist Internet
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