The fake buyer on Marketplace or 2dehands

You are selling something online. A buyer wants it straight away and sends a link "to receive your money".

1How they do it

1. A buyer replies quickly and asks nothing about the item.
2. He says he has already paid through a "secure payment service" and sends a link.
3. On that fake page you must "receive your money": you enter your card details or log in to your bank.
4. In reality, you are confirming a payment from your own account.

2A real example

"Hello, I'll take the bike. I've paid through the secure delivery, click here to receive the 250 euros."

3How to spot it

• You never need your card or banking app to receive money.
• A link to a payment service you don't know.
• The buyer won't come round and won't call.

4How to protect yourself

• Let the buyer pay by ordinary bank transfer or in cash when collecting.
• Don't click on payment links from strangers.
• Look in your banking app: does it say "pay" or "confirm"? Then you are spending money, not receiving it.

Suspicious number, email or website? Check it or report it.

Examples have been made unrecognisable. Names and numbers in the examples are made up.

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