The local police are currently warning of fraud on the online sales platform eBay Classifieds to the detriment of sellers. A 22-year-old from the Brietlingen area was already a victim of this scam in the recent past, causing her damages of a good 1,000 euros.

This is how the scam works

The fraudsters respond to items from sellers on the platform, not via the contact function as usual, but directly via the mobile phone number provided. Contact is often made via WhatsApp. The fraudsters then suggest that they want to buy the goods and suggest payment using the “secure payment” function.

To do this, the fraudsters send a fake link to the sellers, so that a “payment page” opens, which looks deceptively similar to the “Pay Securely” website. Credit card details should then be entered there so that the money supposedly arrives directly in the seller's account.

However, the fraudsters subsequently empty the specified credit card account/bank account. However, the expected payment does not arrive. Once money has been withdrawn from the account - usually abroad - then there is hardly any chance of getting it back.

How to protect yourself

  • Do not include a mobile phone number in your ad that is visible to other platform visitors
  • eBay classifieds never ask sellers to enter credit card details and/or account balance
  • Only use the “Pay Securely” function within eBay classifieds and do not open any links sent to you by potential buyers
  • If you have become a victim of such eBay fraud, contact your credit institution and try to stop the payment. The card should also be blocked if necessary. If access data has been entered - for example for eBay classifieds - change it immediately. Contact the police immediately and file a report.

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Source: Press portal


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