Fraud schemes when selling online: Recognising and fending off

In short: Typical tricks are forged payment confirmations, overpayment, phishing links as buyer protection and refund fraud; protection comes from platform payment, mistrust of pressure and evidence.

In more detail: Whoever sells goods attracts fraudsters. The schemes resemble each other worldwide. Basic rule: stay on the platform, use its payment and shipping system and never pass on credentials, TANs or codes.

In Depth

Common schemes

• “Payment made”: buyer sends a forged PayPal/bank mail or screenshot and asks for shipping. Check only in your own account.
• Overpayment: buyer “transfers too much” and asks for the remainder back (cheque/payment later reversed).
• Phishing link “buyer protection”/“pay safely”: a message demands login/card data on a fake page.
• Switch to WhatsApp: “Write to me there”, to bypass platform protection.
• Payment as “friends & family” (no buyer protection) from buyers who pressure sellers; likewise refund by voucher.
• Refund fraud (buyer): goods arrive, buyer claims “defective/empty”, sends back a replacement/fake.
• Collection with cash payment: counterfeit money, pickpocketing.
• Account takeover: fraudsters hijack platform accounts.

Warning signs

Time pressure (“I need it today”), buyer wants to pay immediately without questions, foreign address/freight forwarder, unusual payment routes, links via message, spelling/translation style, new accounts without ratings, offers outside the platform price. Reputable buyers ask about condition and pay via the platform.

Protection

1. Payment only via the platform system; wait for the payment in your own account (not by screenshot).
2. Never open links from buyers, never pass on TAN/passwords/codes.
3. Ship only to the confirmed address, with tracking; document photos and serial number.
4. With returns: film the parcel opening, compare contents with photos.
5. Two-factor and strong password for accounts.
6. Collection: public places, company, check money, look at cash with pen test/watermark.
7. Report suspicion (platform, consumer advice, police online station).

If it has happened

Stop payment/shipping, change passwords, inform bank/payment service immediately (chargeback/block), secure evidence (chats, screenshots, receipts), file a report, notify the platform. Inform yourself at the consumer advice centre. Minors: involve parents. Reputable help is free; providers promising “money-back guarantee against prepayment” are usually fraudsters themselves.

See also: Phishing and fraud schemes, Two-factor authentication, Shipping and packaging, Smartphone security