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The idea is good: items that are no longer used can be given away or sold via the online platforms. There are many providers, including well-known names such as Ebay, Willhaben, Vinted or Shpock. But there are also numerous fraudsters on the portals, warns the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor, which regularly receives complaints. The criminals have normal-looking profiles and pose as interested buyers.
However, it is rarely about the products offered for sale; rather, the fraudsters want to get either money or sensitive data. One of the most common fraud schemes is to lure money out of sellers: The fraudsters come up with all sorts of ways to do this, for example transport costs, customs fees or other advance payments. Sometimes it is also said that these are test transfers or authorizations. The victims are led to believe that they will get the money back later. Access data for online banking, passwords or credit card details are often stolen.
- Read here: New scam on the Internet: “Pay the transport costs”
“If I, as a seller, have to pay for something, I have to hands off. If an offer sounds too good, caution is also advised,” warns Ulrike Weiß, head of the consumer protection department. “The money cannot be recovered,” says Weiß. Transfers to foreign accounts are not recommended. Communication should only take place on the platforms; many fraudsters would try to move the conversations to WhatsApp. Redirecting to fake sites is also a popular scam used by fraudsters.
Personal delivery is safest
As a buyer, you should only send the goods once the money has already been transferred. The Chamber of Labor advises using well-known payment service providers or forms of payment offered by the platforms. You should already be familiar with dealing with this, “because the fraudsters definitely know their stuff better,” says Weiß. In the best case, the handover takes place face to face: goods in exchange for money, so both sides are protected.
Important to know: The Consumer Protection Act does not apply to transactions of this type (between private individuals). Regulations regarding the right of withdrawal or warranties do not apply.
- OÖN podcast Money & Life: Why online fraud is always in season
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Source: Nachrichten
