Online Marketplace Scam Alert: How to Buy and Sell Safely
Summary
Shopping scams, particularly on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, are increasing in Australia, causing millions in losses. Authorities warn users to be vigilant and provide key tips for protection.
Key Points
- Rising Scams: Over 19,000 shopping scam reports in 2024, with losses reaching $8.6 million—a 19% increase from last year.
- Common Tactics: Scammers pose as buyers or sellers, offer deals that seem too good to be true, use fake profiles, request unusual payments (wire transfers, gift cards), or send phishing links.
- Buyer Tips: Research sellers, check for duplicate listings, avoid upfront payments for unseen items, use secure payment methods (PayPal, credit cards), and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Seller Tips: Verify payments before handing over items, check cash for counterfeits, meet in public, well-lit locations (e.g., police station car parks), and consider bringing someone along.
- If Scammed: Contact your bank immediately, report to Scamwatch and police, change compromised passwords, and monitor financial accounts.
What’s Next?
Remain cautious, follow the “stop, check, protect” advice from the National Anti-Scam Centre, and report any suspicious activity to help prevent further scams.
在线市场诈骗警报：如何安全买卖
摘要
在澳大利亚，购物诈骗（尤其是在Facebook Marketplace和Gumtree等在线平台上）正在增加，已造成数百万美元损失。当局提醒用户保持警惕，并提供了关键防护建议。
关键要点
- 诈骗案件上升：2024年已收到超过19,000起购物诈骗报告，损失达860万美元，较去年同期增长19%。
- 常见手法：诈骗者冒充买家或卖家，提供过于优惠的交易，使用虚假资料，要求非常规付款（电汇、礼品卡），或发送钓鱼链接。
- 买家建议：调查卖家背景，检查重复商品列表，避免为未亲眼所见商品提前付款，使用安全支付方式（如PayPal、信用卡），并启用多重身份验证。
- 卖家建议：确认收到款项后再交货，检查现金真伪，在公共、光线充足的场所交易（如警察局停车场），并考虑让他人陪同。
- 如果受骗：立即联系银行，向Scamwatch和警方报案，修改泄露的密码，并监控账户活动。
后续行动
保持谨慎，遵循国家反诈骗中心的“停止、检查、保护”建议，并报告任何可疑活动，以帮助防止更多诈骗。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-30/how-to-protect-against-marketplace-scams/106118280