[Sean Camara]

Scammers are targeting online sellers to defraud Aussies out of millions, warns Scamwatch​

As much as we love the conveniences that come with modern technology, there’s no denying that there are some serious risks involved in living our lives online.

These days, it seems like you can’t go more than a week without hearing about some new form of cybercrime or online scam that’s taken advantage of unsuspecting victims.

That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant and informed about the different ways criminals operate online, so you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

One popular type of scam that has been making the rounds lately is known as the ‘classified scam’. This involves fraudsters using online platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find potential victims.

A screenshot of a conversation between a seller and a fraudster. Credit: Nine.​

They send queries to sellers who posted ads for goods, pretending they are interested in purchasing them. After making contact, the fraudsters will then ask the sellers to make any future communication via private email.

Once correspondence is moved off-platform and into email territory, the fraudster will typically try to get the seller to pay for the item to be delivered to them or provide links directing them to enter their bank details ‘so they can be paid’. Of course, this is all a part of the scam.

According to a spokesperson for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), classified scams cost victims a total of $569,880 between 1 and 25 September. Additionally, there have been 7,511 reports of classified-related scams up to this point, and more than $6 million has been lost since January 1.

The representative remarked: 'This represents a 20 per cent increase of losses compared to the same period a year ago.'

Email and social networking are the two main ways that classified frauds are distributed, Scamwatch watched.

Gumtree also commented on the issue, advising all users to exercise caution while using the website. The company also suggested keeping all communications on its platform wherever possible.

A Gumtree spokesperson said: 'The safety and security of our community is Gumtree's number one priority. Whilst over 99 per cent of trading experiences are safe on Gumtree, it is important to remain vigilant and understand the warning signs so you can protect yourself online.'

'We strongly recommend users not to click on any link that directs them away from the Gumtree website and onto other sites, such as an online payment page or delivery site.'

'Gumtree does not ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item, we also have pop-up notices built into the website reminding people to stay on-site.'

'Gumtree also operates a strict report and take-down process and we encourage our users to always report suspicious activity to us via our Help Page or via the Report Ad function on each listing.'

What should you do if you're scammed?

It's a scary thought to have your hard-earned money taken from you, but here are a few things you can do to recover and possibly prevent it from ever happening again:

1. Document your interactions with the scammer. Look at their responses and remember that everything they write is going to be full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes they will even ‘switch’ the letters A and L or B and O in the way they write. Finishing off every word with a dot is very common too.

2. Report the scammer immediately. Once you realise you've been scammed and you no longer want to continue the interaction, report them immediately and contact your bank, financial institution, or the relevant state or federal body to report the fraud. If it was a money transfer, you may be able to get your money back if you contact your money transfer service provider in time to give them a chance to intervene.

3. If your bank account has been taken over by scammers, contact your bank immediately.

4. Do not give in to pressure to send 'gifts' or to pay a courier/shipping fee to get or 'release' an item to you.

5. Getting back online: You should change any PINs or passwords you use online, from your bank accounts to social media sites.

Stay safe, folks! If you have any more advice or information on scams to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments.

 

[Suzanne rose]

This has happened to me a few times once in ebay and the other on gumtree.

Lucky I realised it and it never went far at all

 

[Peppa]

And now Woolworths which has me worried as I have a back health issues and use there online service.

 

[Glo72]

MyDeal site,owned by Woolies,got hacked. They got names,email,phone numbers and addresses. I use that site a lot. Not happy. First Optus and now this. I have had dodgy phone calls,the latest was trying to give me a free water heater,I just hang up.

 

[DrChip]

As much as we love the conveniences that come with modern technology, there’s no denying that there are some serious risks involved in living our lives online.

These days, it seems like you can’t go more than a week without hearing about some new form of cybercrime or online scam that’s taken advantage of unsuspecting victims.

That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant and informed about the different ways criminals operate online, so you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

One popular type of scam that has been making the rounds lately is known as the ‘classified scam’. This involves fraudsters using online platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find potential victims.

A screenshot of a conversation between a seller and a fraudster. Credit: Nine.​

They send queries to sellers who posted ads for goods, pretending they are interested in purchasing them. After making contact, the fraudsters will then ask the sellers to make any future communication via private email.

Once correspondence is moved off-platform and into email territory, the fraudster will typically try to get the seller to pay for the item to be delivered to them or provide links directing them to enter their bank details ‘so they can be paid’. Of course, this is all a part of the scam.

According to a spokesperson for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), classified scams cost victims a total of $569,880 between 1 and 25 September. Additionally, there have been 7,511 reports of classified-related scams up to this point, and more than $6 million has been lost since January 1.

The representative remarked: 'This represents a 20 per cent increase of losses compared to the same period a year ago.'

Email and social networking are the two main ways that classified frauds are distributed, Scamwatch watched.

Gumtree also commented on the issue, advising all users to exercise caution while using the website. The company also suggested keeping all communications on its platform wherever possible.

A Gumtree spokesperson said: 'The safety and security of our community is Gumtree's number one priority. Whilst over 99 per cent of trading experiences are safe on Gumtree, it is important to remain vigilant and understand the warning signs so you can protect yourself online.'

'We strongly recommend users not to click on any link that directs them away from the Gumtree website and onto other sites, such as an online payment page or delivery site.'

'Gumtree does not ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item, we also have pop-up notices built into the website reminding people to stay on-site.'

'Gumtree also operates a strict report and take-down process and we encourage our users to always report suspicious activity to us via our Help Page or via the Report Ad function on each listing.'

What should you do if you're scammed?

It's a scary thought to have your hard-earned money taken from you, but here are a few things you can do to recover and possibly prevent it from ever happening again:

1. Document your interactions with the scammer. Look at their responses and remember that everything they write is going to be full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes they will even ‘switch’ the letters A and L or B and O in the way they write. Finishing off every word with a dot is very common too.

2. Report the scammer immediately. Once you realise you've been scammed and you no longer want to continue the interaction, report them immediately and contact your bank, financial institution, or the relevant state or federal body to report the fraud. If it was a money transfer, you may be able to get your money back if you contact your money transfer service provider in time to give them a chance to intervene.

3. If your bank account has been taken over by scammers, contact your bank immediately.

4. Do not give in to pressure to send 'gifts' or to pay a courier/shipping fee to get or 'release' an item to you.

5. Getting back online: You should change any PINs or passwords you use online, from your bank accounts to social media sites.

Stay safe, folks! If you have any more advice or information on scams to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments.

I see this all the time. It tech for 40 years, Gunlmtree can block anyone trying to by pass going throug their site if they tried. Also I can not believe some off my clients who, even though the papers are full of details about scams, get caught, these clients are not stupid or have a lack of knowledge, it seems that gullibility is the only, who answered an email about a DHL delivery and lost $7k when I asked were did order or are you expecting a parcel they replied No! I just shake my head and wonder. There is Educated and Intelligence, some have one but not the other

 

[StephenNikita]

I was scammed on marketplace. The police and bank did nothing. I supplied a lot of information, could most likely find the person myself.

 

[DrChip]

As much as we love the conveniences that come with modern technology, there’s no denying that there are some serious risks involved in living our lives online.

These days, it seems like you can’t go more than a week without hearing about some new form of cybercrime or online scam that’s taken advantage of unsuspecting victims.

That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant and informed about the different ways criminals operate online, so you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

One popular type of scam that has been making the rounds lately is known as the ‘classified scam’. This involves fraudsters using online platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find potential victims.

A screenshot of a conversation between a seller and a fraudster. Credit: Nine.​

They send queries to sellers who posted ads for goods, pretending they are interested in purchasing them. After making contact, the fraudsters will then ask the sellers to make any future communication via private email.

Once correspondence is moved off-platform and into email territory, the fraudster will typically try to get the seller to pay for the item to be delivered to them or provide links directing them to enter their bank details ‘so they can be paid’. Of course, this is all a part of the scam.

According to a spokesperson for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), classified scams cost victims a total of $569,880 between 1 and 25 September. Additionally, there have been 7,511 reports of classified-related scams up to this point, and more than $6 million has been lost since January 1.

The representative remarked: 'This represents a 20 per cent increase of losses compared to the same period a year ago.'

Email and social networking are the two main ways that classified frauds are distributed, Scamwatch watched.

Gumtree also commented on the issue, advising all users to exercise caution while using the website. The company also suggested keeping all communications on its platform wherever possible.

A Gumtree spokesperson said: 'The safety and security of our community is Gumtree's number one priority. Whilst over 99 per cent of trading experiences are safe on Gumtree, it is important to remain vigilant and understand the warning signs so you can protect yourself online.'

'We strongly recommend users not to click on any link that directs them away from the Gumtree website and onto other sites, such as an online payment page or delivery site.'

'Gumtree does not ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item, we also have pop-up notices built into the website reminding people to stay on-site.'

'Gumtree also operates a strict report and take-down process and we encourage our users to always report suspicious activity to us via our Help Page or via the Report Ad function on each listing.'

What should you do if you're scammed?

It's a scary thought to have your hard-earned money taken from you, but here are a few things you can do to recover and possibly prevent it from ever happening again:

1. Document your interactions with the scammer. Look at their responses and remember that everything they write is going to be full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes they will even ‘switch’ the letters A and L or B and O in the way they write. Finishing off every word with a dot is very common too.

2. Report the scammer immediately. Once you realise you've been scammed and you no longer want to continue the interaction, report them immediately and contact your bank, financial institution, or the relevant state or federal body to report the fraud. If it was a money transfer, you may be able to get your money back if you contact your money transfer service provider in time to give them a chance to intervene.

3. If your bank account has been taken over by scammers, contact your bank immediately.

4. Do not give in to pressure to send 'gifts' or to pay a courier/shipping fee to get or 'release' an item to you.

5. Getting back online: You should change any PINs or passwords you use online, from your bank accounts to social media sites.

Stay safe, folks! If you have any more advice or information on scams to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments.

I see this all the time. It tech for 40 years, Gunlmtree can block anyone trying to by pass going throug their site if they tried. Also I can not believe some off my clients who, even though the papers are full of details about scams, get caught, these clients are not stupid or have a lack of knowledge, it seems that gullibility is the only answer, these clients answered an email about a DHL delivery and lost $7k when I asked were did order or are you expecting a parcel they replied No! I just shake my head and wonder. There is Educated and Intelligence, som have one but not the other

 

[lozat54]

This has happened to me a few times once in ebay and the other on gumtree.

Lucky I realised it and it never went far at all

I NEVER EVER buy off social media sites, especially Facebook or Instagram. I have sold on our local Buy, Swap & Sell but only to someone who will pick up & for cash. If they don’t want to do that then too bad don’t buy it!! Then you can’t be scammed!! It’s not hard!!

 

[Nana Zorak]

MyDeal site,owned by Woolies,got hacked. They got names,email,phone numbers and addresses. I use that site a lot. Not happy. First Optus and now this. I have had dodgy phone calls,the latest was trying to give me a free water heater,I just hang up.

I just had an e-mail from My deal telling me of this hack. As I never answer calls from unknown numbers I took it on board but never open the mail I don't know either I have been caught before!

 

[PHW]

As much as we love the conveniences that come with modern technology, there’s no denying that there are some serious risks involved in living our lives online.

These days, it seems like you can’t go more than a week without hearing about some new form of cybercrime or online scam that’s taken advantage of unsuspecting victims.

That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant and informed about the different ways criminals operate online, so you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

One popular type of scam that has been making the rounds lately is known as the ‘classified scam’. This involves fraudsters using online platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find potential victims.

A screenshot of a conversation between a seller and a fraudster. Credit: Nine.​

They send queries to sellers who posted ads for goods, pretending they are interested in purchasing them. After making contact, the fraudsters will then ask the sellers to make any future communication via private email.

Once correspondence is moved off-platform and into email territory, the fraudster will typically try to get the seller to pay for the item to be delivered to them or provide links directing them to enter their bank details ‘so they can be paid’. Of course, this is all a part of the scam.

According to a spokesperson for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), classified scams cost victims a total of $569,880 between 1 and 25 September. Additionally, there have been 7,511 reports of classified-related scams up to this point, and more than $6 million has been lost since January 1.

The representative remarked: 'This represents a 20 per cent increase of losses compared to the same period a year ago.'

Email and social networking are the two main ways that classified frauds are distributed, Scamwatch watched.

Gumtree also commented on the issue, advising all users to exercise caution while using the website. The company also suggested keeping all communications on its platform wherever possible.

A Gumtree spokesperson said: 'The safety and security of our community is Gumtree's number one priority. Whilst over 99 per cent of trading experiences are safe on Gumtree, it is important to remain vigilant and understand the warning signs so you can protect yourself online.'

'We strongly recommend users not to click on any link that directs them away from the Gumtree website and onto other sites, such as an online payment page or delivery site.'

'Gumtree does not ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item, we also have pop-up notices built into the website reminding people to stay on-site.'

'Gumtree also operates a strict report and take-down process and we encourage our users to always report suspicious activity to us via our Help Page or via the Report Ad function on each listing.'

What should you do if you're scammed?

It's a scary thought to have your hard-earned money taken from you, but here are a few things you can do to recover and possibly prevent it from ever happening again:

1. Document your interactions with the scammer. Look at their responses and remember that everything they write is going to be full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes they will even ‘switch’ the letters A and L or B and O in the way they write. Finishing off every word with a dot is very common too.

2. Report the scammer immediately. Once you realise you've been scammed and you no longer want to continue the interaction, report them immediately and contact your bank, financial institution, or the relevant state or federal body to report the fraud. If it was a money transfer, you may be able to get your money back if you contact your money transfer service provider in time to give them a chance to intervene.

3. If your bank account has been taken over by scammers, contact your bank immediately.

4. Do not give in to pressure to send 'gifts' or to pay a courier/shipping fee to get or 'release' an item to you.

5. Getting back online: You should change any PINs or passwords you use online, from your bank accounts to social media sites.

Stay safe, folks! If you have any more advice or information on scams to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments.

I came across this kind of scam "at least" three times, on Gumtree and other similar sites.

The first time was when trying to sell my car. The buyer was supposedly working on a mining site and asked me to pay a (supposedly fully refundable) fee for his agent to come and collect the car. So, I had to instruct the buyer that the only way any money at all (from $1 cent), and any information (other than what he already got from the ad.) would ONLY EVER go one way, i.e. "from him to me", never the other way around. This was the end of it, there and then... dead on reading my reply.

The second time was when selling my PC. The buyer wanted me to give him an account number for him to pay me "in advance" (before taking delivery of it... sure). I told him that "cash-in-hand" was the only way it would go down, that the received cash would have to be in Australian legal tender (not Russian rubles), that each dollar bill would be checked (no fakes), and that a good photo of the payer would be taken with his/her details. Also dead there and then.

Another time was similar but I was supposed to "first" pay a fee for something (?) to happen. Again, I just had to straighten out that (to state the obvious) the only way this kind of selling has happened for the past thousand years, is with cash going "solely" from the buyer's hand to the seller's. Who would think it could ever be the other way around? Seriously?

 

[Defiant540]

And now Woolworths which has me worried as I have a back health issues and use there online service.

what's up with Woolies??

 

[Suzanne rose]

I NEVER EVER buy off social media sites, especially Facebook or Instagram. I have sold on our local Buy, Swap & Sell but only to someone who will pick up & for cash. If they don’t want to do that then too bad don’t buy it!! Then you can’t be scammed!! It’s not hard!!

I've sold alot on ebay and gumtree and only use PayPal or pick up paying cash
I knew it was a scam straight away . I never give my bank details

 

[Suzanne rose]

And now Woolworths which has me worried as I have a back health issues and use there online service.

When did they announce that woolworths was hacked ?

 

[Suzanne rose]

what's up with Woolies??

Hopefully nothing, I haven't heard anything ,

 

[Ezzy]

Hopefully nothing, I haven't heard anything ,

I am unclear too Suzanne. Glo72 wrote that MyDeal owned by Woolies was hacked. Could this be have been interpreted as Woolies ( & not a company owned by Woolies ), was hacked?

 

[Suzanne rose]

I am unclear too Suzanne. Glo72 wrote that MyDeal owned by Woolies was hacked. Could this be have been interpreted as Woolies ( & not a company owned by Woolies ), was hacked?

Usually when a big company like Woolies has been hacked its on the news and I haven't heard anything

 

[Lynette Finnigan]

There are so many lazy people who would rather rob others than ever do a day of honest work themselves...they forget that these people they are scamming have worked hard all their life for what they have! I feel very sad for elderly who are tricked out of their life savings, they don't even have the ability to work and start again!! So do be careful people!! We advertised our caravan online, someone rang to say they lived out of town, but would get a friend who was coming to visit them to collect it and they would send the money. My husband told them that they could send the money, once it had cleared the system and was in his bank, they were welcome to hook up and tow away.... never heard any more! Scammers. Scum!

 

[Ezzy]

There are so many lazy people who would rather rob others than ever do a day of honest work themselves...they forget that these people they are scamming have worked hard all their life for what they have! I feel very sad for elderly who are tricked out of their life savings, they don't even have the ability to work and start again!! So do be careful people!! We advertised our caravan online, someone rang to say they lived out of town, but would get a friend who was coming to visit them to collect it and they would send the money. My husband told them that they could send the money, once it had cleared the system and was in his bank, they were welcome to hook up and tow away.... never heard any more! Scammers. Scum!

So many seniors have been scammed of late, it is a shame indeed. Unlike yourselves who were quick to see a scam. Quite a few people have shared their stories here who could have become victims. How do these people pick their target, do they know by the item advertised that a certain age group may be selling this & think they could or would be an easy target? Scum indeed! Yes we need to be constantly reminded about how these scammers operate & of new schemes which appear. I believe by sharing here we can all become aware of the tactics these lowlifes are adopting.

 

[michaelcowan2]

Even reputable Buy/Sell platforms such as Gum Tree and Ebay are used by scammers, and I have been almost caught out a couple of times. I now have a policy when selling, dealing only locally, so not having to post/ship, and its cash only on collection from my door at private address. There are a lot of dishonest people out there!

 

[Robyn M for Mary]

I also had a scam tried on me just a few days ago. They wanted to pay using payid which is a very legitimate way with the bank, but they wanted to pay me from a “business account” so I had to have a business account for the money to go into. She supposedly put $1000 in the payid account and I was to refund her $900 so they could release my $100. Then her driver would pick up the item the next day. When my daughter and I called her out on it she got very shirty with us and told us we were trying to scam her. Then told us she had reported us to the FBI. Of course after that she shut down, but that night another one tried the same thing. My daughter reported them. It is so annoying because my item was only advertised on the local marketplace site, now it will probably end up going to the tip.