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How Scammers Operate on Marketplaces
Marketplaces are convenient platforms for buying and selling goods but also become grounds for various fraud schemes. Criminals use different methods to obtain users' money or personal data, creating fake ads, manipulating reviews, and employing social engineering schemes.
Scammers can pose as both sellers and buyers. In the first case, they offer non-existent goods, demanding prepayment. In the second case, they use schemes with fake payments, returns, or data theft. In some cases, fake stores are created, disguised as real brands.
Fraud on Avito and OLX: Fake Sellers and Buyers
On popular marketplaces like Avito and OLX, scammers pretend to be honest sellers or buyers. Among the most common schemes:
- Fake goods at low prices – criminals post ads with attractive offers but require prepayment. After the money is transferred, the seller disappears.
- Fake buyers – scammers claim to want to purchase an item, send fake payment links, or ask to deliver the item by courier before actual receipt of money.
- Fake delivery services – fraudsters offer to arrange delivery through a supposedly official service but require payment via fake websites.
- Personal data theft – some schemes involve collecting information about buyers, including card numbers and passport details.
- Advance payment scams – criminals may pose as realtors or car sellers, demanding prepayment for booking the item.
eBay Scammers: Payment and Return Scams
On eBay, there are also common fraud schemes:
- Fake payment receipts – the buyer sends a fake payment confirmation and demands the item be shipped before the money arrives.
- Return requests after receiving the item – the buyer claims the item does not match the description and demands a refund, substituting the item for a similar one or even sending back an empty box.
- Fake intermediaries – scammers offer to arrange a deal through a third party or external platform, creating the appearance of security.
- Using hacked accounts – criminals buy accounts with positive reviews and use them for fraudulent deals.
- Price manipulation – some fraudsters collude with other users on fake bids in auctions to inflate the item's price.
Fake Reviews and Their Impact on Buyers
One way scammers increase trust in their ads is by creating fake reviews. For this, they use:
- Pumped-up positive comments – criminals order or write fake reviews, creating the impression of a reliable seller.
- Deleting negative reviews – some scammers find ways to block negative comments to hide traces of fraud.
- Imitating real store activities – copying descriptions and reviews of well-known sellers to gain buyers' trust.
- Fake ratings – some criminals use bots for mass positive ratings of their goods.
- Creating multiple accounts – scammers register several profiles, leaving positive reviews about themselves.
How Not to Get Caught in Marketplace Scams
To avoid fraud on marketplaces, you should follow several rules:
- Check the profile of the seller or buyer, paying attention to the registration date and reviews.
- Avoid prepayment and use official marketplace payment services.
- Do not click on external links sent by unknown users.
- Check information about the seller through search engines to confirm their reliability.
- Use secure delivery methods that exclude fraudulent schemes.
- Do not share personal data, such as phone numbers, bank details, or confirmation codes.
- Beware of deals that are too advantageous, especially if the seller insists on a quick transaction.
- Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords to protect accounts.
- Regularly monitor financial transactions to promptly identify unauthorized charges.
- Report suspicious accounts and ads to marketplace administration.
Additionally, it is worth considering that scammers may use emotional pressure, convincing you of the urgency of the deal. It is important to remain vigilant and not succumb to manipulations. Using official services and carefully studying reviews will help reduce the risk of encountering scammers. In case of suspicious activity, it is recommended to immediately contact marketplace support and, if necessary, law enforcement.
