~/scams explained / classified-ads-scam-fake-buyer
Classified ads scam: the fake buyer with the "secure payment link"
If you sell something privately online, supposed buyers soon get in touch. They want to pay through a seemingly safe link, or ask for advance payments and codes.
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How the scam works
- Soon after you post your ad, a "buyer" appears who wants to buy the item right away without seeing it.
- They suggest handling payment through a "secure payment service" and send you a link.
- The link leads to a copied page where you are asked to enter card details, login details or a code, supposedly to receive the money.
- Or the buyer asks you to pass on a code you received by text message so they can "verify your ad".
- Another variant: as the seller, you are asked to pay money or a fee first so that the amount can be released.
How to spot it
- The buyer wants to buy at once, with no questions about the item or about viewing it.
- They do not want to collect it in person and insist on shipping and a specific payment method.
- You get a link to a supposed payment service that you did not choose yourself.
- They ask for codes, passwords or card details even though you only want to receive money.
- As a seller, you are asked to pay a fee to get your own money.
- The message is full of time pressure or reads like a ready-made text.
What to do now
- Do not click any link a prospective buyer sends and do not share any codes.
- Where possible, complete the sale in person, with cash or a payment you can see yourself in your own app.
- Always open payment services through the official app or an address you typed yourself.
- Only ship the item once the money is really in your account, and check this in your banking app.
- Report the suspicious case on the platform where you posted the ad.
Already clicked or paid?
- If you entered card details or codes, call your bank immediately using the number on your card and have the card blocked.
- Change your passwords for your account on the ads platform, for your email and for your bank.
- Check your account activity and report unknown charges to your bank at once.
- Report it to the police and keep chats and screenshots as evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is a payment link from a buyer always a scam?
You should never trust it. Genuine payments for private sales go through routes you chose yourself. A link that asks you to enter card or login details is a warning sign.
Why does the buyer ask for a code from my text message?
With such a code, scammers can log in to your account or confirm a payment. Never share codes, not even with supposed customer service.
What if I am the buyer and asked to pay in advance?
Do not pay unknown people in advance for private sales when there is no buyer protection. If possible, view the item and pay on the spot.
More scams
- Fake parcel text: "Delivery failed"
- Fake bank email: "Account locked" and "renew your security method"
- Fake PayPal email: "Account limited" and "suspicious payment"
- Fake Amazon email: order, Prime, locked account or refund
- "Hi Mum, new number": the WhatsApp scam with the fake child
- How to spot a fake online shop
- Prize draw scam: why "You have won" is often a trap
- Fake Microsoft support: the phone call and virus pop-up scam
- Fake bank employee call: when the bank seems to be calling
- Crypto investment scam: fake ads with famous faces
- Tax refund phishing: fake emails from authorities
General advice, not legal advice. If you lost money, involve your bank and the police.