WA ScamNet Alert: Classified ad scams

Summer is approaching and lots of people are on the hunt for bargain sporting equipment, camping gear, renovation materials, music events and even preparing for Christmas gifts.

As online shopping ramps up so do classified ad scams - using websites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or event pages on social media. It is not just the buyers getting caught out either, Consumer Protection has reports from both buyers and sellers being targeted by scammers.

Buyer beware

WA ScamNet have received reports involving big ticket items like;

• heavily discounted mobile phones (like the latest iPhone or android device)
• concert tickets
• motor vehicles
• rental properties

Beware of sellers claiming to be in a different state or requiring payment through bank transfer. Victims are being told goods will be shipped to them after they make payment through bank transfer but the goods are never received and it’s difficult to reverse a bank transfer for a refund. The scammers provide a copy of stolen identification to make themselves appear legitimate. Only pay in cash and view the product in person before you hand over the money.

Sellers watch out

Sellers have also been stung by scammers posing as potential buyers. The buyer claims they are unable to speak on the phone or meet in person. They pay using stolen credit cards, which are eventually declined by the bank or use fake payment receipts that show payment as pending. Sellers may be requested to make payments to fake third parties, such as a transport company, via electronic bank transfer or an international payment service like MoneyGram or RIA.