A clever scam that misleads buyers and leaves them disappointed: eagerly awaited, trembling with excitement, who doesn't know that? The feeling when the postman finally delivers the long-awaited package to your door. In these moments, going to the mailbox is a real joyful walk. But what happens when the anticipation suddenly turns into disillusionment? Because what if instead of the brand new smartphone there is only a kilogram of flour in the package?

The safest way, or not?

The offer sounds tempting when the seller claims that purchasing cash on delivery is the safest way. The buyer only pays when the goods are already in front of him, so the argument goes. But here's the rub: The buyer has to pay the postman before he can even open the package. And once the money changes hands, there is no turning back. Chargebacks? None! Here the perfidious scam shows itself in all its glory.

The perpetrator strategy: temptation and confusion

The purchase usually takes place on online sales platforms such as eBay classifieds, where buyers meet unknown fraudsters. The perpetrators have perfected their scam: they are pushing for cash on delivery. Your goal? Collect the cash on delivery fee, which is then immediately transferred to the perpetrator's account.

The bitter truth of the scam: flour instead of a mobile phone

Disillusionment follows when the unsuspecting buyer opens the package and finds only a kilogram of flour instead of the cell phone he ordered. A bitter moment that also reveals the flour in the soup of this fraud.

Because once the payment has been made, the post office can no longer stop the transaction. This means that the buyer is left with his damages - with a kilo of flour as the only compensation for his hard-earned money.

How do you protect yourself?

The police point out that cash on delivery purchases are by no means a safe payment method and advise against it. It is important to protect yourself from such scams and arm yourself with appropriate measures. Here are some tips:

  1. Research the seller thoroughly.
  2. Avoid paying cash on delivery if you don't know the seller.
  3. Check the goods before transferring the money.
  4. Use secure payment methods such as PayPal.
  5. Trust your gut feeling: if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Conclusion

Scams like the “flour instead of cell phone” trap are a sad example of the dark side of online trading. It is important to remain attentive and critical in order not to fall into such traps. Because caution is the best way to go - and in this case the safest way to avoid ending up with a kilogram of flour instead of a new smartphone. Stay alert and don't let yourself be blinded by tempting offers. Even though the flour will certainly be used in the kitchen, it is a rather disappointing substitute for a high-quality mobile device.

Also read: Why we have to correct even the smallest fake news

Source:

Press portal


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