Classifieds portals offer an excellent opportunity to turn old items into cash or to bag one or two bargains.

But be careful, criminals also carry out systematic data and identity theft here!

As our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet advises, users must therefore think carefully about what data they disclose to unknown people over the Internet and should not send photos of various identification documents.

Selling and purchasing via Willhaben, Geizhals, Ebay and Spock, but also via ads on Facebook or Instagram, is very popular. Internet users can easily turn used goods into cash or save money on purchases.

But some of the many users use the platforms with fraudulent intent. They try to get personal data from users and demand photos of passports, driving licenses or other documents.

The fraudsters often proceed as follows:

Ms. M., the victim, offers a jacket for sale on Willhaben for €200. Shortly afterwards she receives an inquiry about the jacket from Ms. X. She really wants to buy the jacket on offer and wants Ms. M. to send her the goods after payment. Ms. M. agrees and tells Ms. X. the account details for transferring the €200. At this point, Ms. X. starts fishing for data and asks for a copy of her ID.

“Please send me a photo of an ID and I will transfer the money immediately!”

Ms. M. refuses to provide a photo, but Ms. X. doesn't let up:

“I can’t transfer the money without security. Send me a photo and I'll transfer the money!", or "I've been ripped off twice, now I'm more careful! Please send me a photo.”

Ms. M. agrees and threatens to report the matter to the police if something goes wrong. Ms. X.'s answer should once again inspire trust:

“I would never cheat on anyone! I'm just careful. Please send me the photo and I will transfer the money in half an hour.”

Ms. M. sends a photo of her passport to Ms. X. and then the nasty surprise follows. Ms. M. never receives a transfer and there is no longer any response from Ms. X.

What can happen to you?

If you send identification documents to fraudsters, you will become a victim of identity theft. Criminals can use your ID cards to commit crimes under the guise of your identity. Such documents are often used to open bank accounts or make purchases, which can result in you as the affected person suddenly receiving payment requests or debt collection letters for things you never bought. Further problems and inconveniences cannot be ruled out either.

What should you pay particular attention to?

  • Do not send any identification documents or photos of them to buyers or sellers on the various sales platforms and classifieds portals.
  • Try to make sales in person rather than by mail.
  • If you are not sure that the other person is trustworthy, it is better to end the contact before you lose your data, your money or your goods.

Classifieds scams

What to do if you have become a victim?

  • File a criminal complaint with the police.
  • Inform your bank that you have been the victim of data theft.
  • Have a new ID card issued.
  • Issue a fraud alert with credit reporting agencies. This means that lenders cannot easily issue loans to criminals.
  • Regularly search for your name using your search engine and request that website operators delete content in your name that you have nothing to do with.

The Internet Watchlist recommends:

Do not send copies of your ID to people you do not know from classified ad portals, as this could make you a victim of identity theft. If a person insists on sending photos of your ID, it is better to break off contact and not take any unnecessary risks.


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