Not only honest buyers and sellers, but also fraudsters are up to mischief in classified ads and other online platforms. Some criminals are particularly sensitive to private sales. Anyone who is attentive should be suspicious of some questions, otherwise danger lurks.
- In the video: Fraudsters use a perfidious scam to rip off two people in one fell swoop
The sweater from an ill-advised impulse purchase, the unused musical instrument or things that were discarded when moving: they can all bring their owners some money through classified ads.
Not only does your account balance grow, but also the space in your apartment. It only becomes critical when fraudsters exploit the confidential level of the flea market app and try to get information that is of interest to them.
Especially when high-quality products, furniture, electronics or other items are offered.
Scammers on classified ads exploit trust
Classifieds are one of the most popular places to sell unwanted items. The app has already been downloaded more than 50 million times in the Google Play Store. However, the large number of sellers are now increasingly being targeted by fraudsters.
Users of classified ads should therefore now be more careful when answering certain questions from buyers. Of course, part of selling on the platform is that questions are asked. But if these are based on whether someone is at home spontaneously, it's worth taking a closer look.
If you then have questions about whether other valuable items happen to be for sale, it's time to become suspicious. With questions like these, criminals could essentially spy on the person's home and find a suitable time to break in.
Possible or similar questions should make you suspicious:
- “Could you arrange for the item to be picked up in person this evening?”
- “Are you currently home if I want to come over at short notice?”
- “What time are you usually home?”
- “Could I come over late this evening?”
- “Is it possible to do the pickup very early in the morning or late in the evening?”
- “How many hours are you usually out of the house?”
- “Are you available during the week or on weekends?”
- “Do you have any pets I need to consider?”
- “How many people live in your household? Maybe you can help me haul it then.”
- “Could you give me your exact address so I can drop by spontaneously?”
- “Do you have any other valuable items to sell?”
- “Are there any other interesting things in your apartment?”
- “What about electronics, do you sell more?”
- “Do you perhaps also have jewelry to sell?”
- “Could you briefly describe the items in your apartment?”
- “Are there things in your apartment that are particularly valuable?”
- “Could I also buy the car shown in one of your photos?”
- “Do you also sell larger items, like furniture?”
- “Do you have any artwork in your home that you would like to sell?”
This is how users can protect themselves
Anyone who offers expensive items could run the risk of attracting criminals. So if sellers prefer to be on the safe side, it is advisable to be careful when exchanging information about picking up your items.
In chats on classified ads, for example, only the first name and changed family names should be mentioned (e.g. Peter Müller). If self-collection is arranged, buyers should wait at a neutral location and the item sold should be brought there. This means your own living situation remains unknown and is not spied on.
By Ole Wetjen
