Quite a few people have already fallen into the clutches of fraudsters and have often suffered significant financial losses.
Two 36-year-olds recently filed a complaint with the police in the Olpe district. You had bought goods on eBay classifieds, transferred the money via PayPal and received neither the goods nor the money back. These are just two cases from a growing number of online fraud crimes.
In this article we would like to give you some important tips that can protect you from fraud on online classifieds portals.
Be careful with payments
The core of every purchase is payment processing. However, there are some pitfalls here that can be cleverly exploited by fraudsters.
- “PayPal Friends” payment function
This function is a blessing for transferring money between friends and acquaintances, but it can become a curse when conducting online transactions. There is no buyer protection. The fraudster can take the money and disappear without a trace. You have no option to claim your money back. Ignore attempts to persuade you to use this method of payment. Always remember: you decide under what conditions you buy.
- False emails from payment services
Another common fraud method is fake emails that pretend to come from PayPal or other payment services. They often look deceptively real, but can cause you to lose your money forever. Be skeptical and check all emails for authenticity before clicking on links or revealing sensitive information.
Pressure and intimidation
Scammers often use psychological tactics to rush you or intimidate you. Don't let this influence you!
- Don't be pressured
If an offer seems too good to be true, or if the seller is pressuring you to make a quick decision, take time to consider the situation.
You have the right to buy on your terms. - Stay Calm About Legal Threats
Some scammers threaten legal action to intimidate you. Stay calm and don't be tempted to act rashly.
What to do in the event of fraud on classified ad portals?
If, despite all precautions, you have fallen victim to a scam, there are a few important steps you should follow.
- Report it to the police
Be sure to report it to the local police if you have been the victim of a scam.
This helps the authorities track down the fraudster. It can also warn other potential victims. - Inform the classifieds portal
In addition to reporting to the police, it is also advisable to notify the classifieds portal. In this way, the platform can block the seller and warn other users about him.
Conclusion
Online classifieds portals can be a great way to find and purchase products. But just like in real life, there are black sheep in this area too. With the right precautions, you can shop safely. Be vigilant, do not allow yourself to be put under pressure and find out about secured payment options. And remember: in the event of a scam, you are not alone. Both the police and the classifieds portal are there to help you.
Source:
Press portal
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Private sales on online platforms: How fraudsters rip off people with the “DPD scam”
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )