Online classifieds are a popular way to buy and sell used goods. But where there are opportunities, there are also risks - especially fraudsters who use the so-called “DHL trick”. This article explains how this scam works and gives valuable tips on how to protect yourself from it.
The “DHL trick” in classified ads exposed
The “DHL trick” typically begins with you advertising a product on a classifieds platform. An interested party posing as a potential buyer contacts you and suggests processing the payment via DHL. This method is touted as safe for both parties. But be careful: this is where the fraud begins.
The fraud process in detail
After the scammer has piqued your interest, the conversation is moved to an external communication channel such as WhatsApp, email or SMS.
Once you have reached an agreement, you receive a fake email - supposedly from DHL - claiming that the buyer has transferred the purchase price to DHL. You will be asked to pay an insurance fee which will supposedly be refunded to you upon delivery. This is the crux of the scam.
In many cases, this “fee” should be paid in the form of voucher cards. Photos of the vouchers are often required as proof of this.
Once you have paid the required fees, you will hear nothing more from the supposed buyers. Your money is gone.
Identification and protective measures
To protect yourself from such scams, the following points are important to know:
- Always communicate via the classifieds platform’s messaging portal.
- Be suspicious if you are asked to transfer money, especially if the communication channel is changed.
- Cancel the alleged purchase process if you are supposed to purchase voucher cards as payment.
- Fraudsters often send fake payment confirmations. Do not rely on this supposed evidence.
- Verify your account before shipping goods. It is safest to hand over the goods and pay for them in person.
Conclusion
The “DHL trick” is a sophisticated scam that relies on deception and manipulation. You can protect yourself effectively through caution, critical questioning and secure communication. Remember: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
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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 )