The Internet has revolutionized the trading of goods. Platforms such as “Kleinanzeigen”, previously known as eBay Kleinanzeigen, enable the easy and quick purchase and sale of goods. But where there is light, there is also shadow. Fraudsters are always looking for ways to deceive unsuspecting users. The consumer advice center and the State Criminal Police Office therefore provide information about the latest scams and how you can protect yourself from them.

Popular tricks used by online fraudsters

One of the most common scams is the so-called “buyer protection trick via PayPal”. The buyer is asked to process the payment using the “Send money to friends and family” option. The supposed advantage: It's cheaper and faster. In fact, this payment option circumvents PayPal's buyer protection, which means that the money cannot be reclaimed if the goods are not delivered.

Another trick concerns the “Pay securely” function in “classifieds”. Here the seller is led to believe that the item has already been paid for and that he should confirm receipt of payment via a link. However, this link leads to a fake website that asks for the seller's credit card details. If the sellers enter their data, they trigger a debit unnoticed.

The so-called “ID trick” is intended to create trust between buyer and seller. The fraudster sends the buyer a picture of “his” ID card to signal seriousness. Once the buyer's trust has been gained, the fraudster asks for the purchase price to be transferred. However, the goods are never delivered.

Tips to protect yourself from scammers

To protect yourself from such fraud, the State Criminal Police Office and the consumer advice center provide some helpful tips. You should not become active in the “Secure Payment” payment system yourself and never click on links in SMS or emails.

Be careful even with incredibly cheap offers. The following applies here: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In general, it is advisable to choose secure payment methods and not to be tempted to pay in advance.

Users can also find helpful safety tips on the “kleinanzeigen” website . If, despite all caution, fraud occurs, the police should be informed immediately and a report filed .

Conclusion : The Internet offers us many conveniences, but it also carries risks. Fraudsters exploit users' anonymity and trust to make a profit. It is therefore essential to always be vigilant and take advantage of the security measures offered. This ensures that buying and selling on “classifieds” remains a pleasant and safe experience.

Also read: Beware of love scamming: fake gold bars and fake online acquaintances


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