The Scammers on Online Marketplaces: How to Recognize Them and Protect Yourself

On the Wellkauf platform, it is convenient to buy and sell goods, but it is important to be attentive – there are scammers on the internet.
A dubious user creates a fake ad, poses as an honest seller or a trustworthy buyer, and tries to swindle money or personal data.

In this article, we explain to you which methods the scammers use, how to recognize a fake ad, and what to do if you have nevertheless become a victim of fraud.

Five Common Fraud Schemes

The Fake Sales Ad
A seller offers an item at a particularly attractive price, asks for an advance payment – and then disappears without a trace.

The Fake Buyers
A supposed buyer claims to have transferred the money, shows a fake payment receipt and demands that the goods be sent. In the end, the seller loses both the goods and the money.

The Scammers with the Delivery
They propose to use a “special delivery service” that requires an advance payment for non-existent services.

Phishing
Through external links, you land on a fake website, where you enter your banking data – these are then stolen.

Fraud in the Name of Wellkauf Support
Scammers contact the seller by message or call and pretend to be employees of Wellkauf. Under pretexts such as “security check,” “account verification” or “removal of a fake ad” they demand that an SMS code be passed on. In reality, this is often an access code to your bank account or other sensitive services.

Remember: Real Wellkauf Support never calls, never writes first and never asks for SMS codes. If it does – you are dealing with a scammer.

How to Recognize a Fake Ad? – 7 Typical Signs

1. A too low price
   If the offered item is significantly cheaper than the usual market price, one should become suspicious.
2. Non-original photos
   The images come from the internet, own photos or detail shots are missing.
3. A too general description
   A concrete indication of the features, the condition or possible defects is completely missing.
4. A refusal of a personal meeting
   The seller does not want to show the item personally or avoids direct contact.
5. A noticeable urgency
   Phrases such as “Act quickly” or “There is another interested party” are intended to increase the pressure.
6. A request to switch to a messenger service
   The seller often asks to move the conversation to a messenger such as Telegram or WhatsApp so that the platform cannot monitor the chat history.
7. A demand for an advance payment
   If the seller insists on a transfer before a meeting, caution is advised.
   The safest is payment on the spot after viewing the item.

How to Communicate Safely with Sellers and Buyers Online

• Communicate exclusively via the integrated chat of the marketplace. Do not switch to an external messenger service.
• Do not disclose any personal data. The home address, ID data and bank details are confidential information. When creating an ad, ideally use the function for blurring the location information or indicate a neighboring street or a nearby house – this way you remain anonymous, and the buyer can still recognize the approximate location of the item.
• Agree on the payment terms in advance. On Wellkauf, the payment takes place directly between the buyer and the seller – both parties choose a suitable payment method themselves. Avoid dubious services and transfers to third-party accounts.
• Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure. A reputable seller does not push for a quick decision.
• Ask for a current photo of the item. This minimizes the risk of fraud.

What to Do If You Are Unsure?

On the second-hand market, it is often difficult at first glance to recognize with whom you are dealing. To be sure that the seller is genuine:

– Ask questions to which there is no answer in the item description.
– Request a current photo or a short video of the item in real time.
– Clarify the exact place and possible time for a personal meeting.
– Pay attention to the style of communication – is it friendly, evasive or pressing?

If something appears suspicious to you, it is better to refrain from the purchase or the transaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions in Case of Fraud

Save all important evidence.
Take screenshots of the chat history, save the profile data, the payment confirmation (if available), photos of the item and all other details. Even if the payment was made in cash, that is normal – the important thing is that you have evidence of the agreements.

Report the incident to Wellkauf Support.
The earlier you pass on the information about the suspicious user, the faster the team can take action. Use the “Complain” button in the ad, in the chat or on the user page.

Block the user.
After you have saved all important data, ended the communication and sent the complaint, block the account. This interrupts the contact and helps to avoid further fraud attempts.

Check your digital services.
If you have given out data, make sure that everything is in order with your bank, email and messenger accounts. If in doubt, you should change the passwords and, if necessary, temporarily block your bank card.

Contact the police.
If you have become a victim of fraud, collect all evidence: the chat histories, transfers, contact details of the seller, screenshots of the ads. These documents are important for filing a report.

Online marketplaces are safe as long as one observes the most important rules of conduct and is careful. This way, one can buy and sell on Wellkauf in a relaxed manner and without risk.