Used Marketplaces: Vulnerable Sellers Exploited in Sales Transactions
In the digital age, online transactions have become a common occurrence, especially on second-hand platforms like Kleinanzeigen.de and Vinted.de. However, a new wave of phishing scams is targeting unsuspecting sellers, luring them to fake versions of the platform's sites.
The scam typically begins with sellers receiving a link or QR code, often via SMS, email, or messenger. It's crucial to remember that under no circumstances should these links or QR codes be clicked or scanned. The official platform's escrow service is not involved in the scam, and authentic links will always direct users to the official site.
Sellers, especially those who have never used the platform's escrow service before, should familiarise themselves with its usual process. This knowledge can help avoid falling for the scam. Scammers exploit the trust, expectations, and lack of knowledge of sellers to carry out their fraudulent activities.
The page guides users through a questionnaire with answer options and provides an individual checklist of what to do next. It's essential to find out exactly how payment works on a platform before selling or buying. Sellers should be aware that they are receiving money, not making a payment, when they follow the scammer's link or QR code.
Sellers should be cautious and double-check the authenticity of any links or QR codes they receive. If fraud or fraudulent accounts are encountered, they should be reported to the respective platform operator and a police report filed. In doubt, freeze the account and cards after an incident.
Keeping an eye on account activity and immediately contacting the bank if there are any unusual debits is also advisable. Victims of online fraud can use the free emergency check page of the consumer centers for guidance.
Development platforms like Vercel, Netlify, and Lovable have also played a significant role in these phishing scams. Scammers posing as unknown buyers trick sellers using fake platform websites to steal login credentials.
Sellers should communicate exclusively through the platform and not reveal email addresses or phone numbers. They should also be alert to any deviations and never share personal or sensitive data.
The Hessian Consumer Center has issued a warning about phishing scammers on second-hand portals, particularly targeting unknown buyers. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, sellers can protect themselves from becoming victims of these scams.
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