31 May 2022

The Scammer List: An On-Going List of Scams Online

Online scams, catfishes, and person-to-person rip-offs have become an all-too-common occurrence in today's digital world. From fake products and services to phishing schemes, the number of scams being reported each day can be overwhelming. To help people stay informed and protected, we created "The Scammer List", which is an on-going list of scams happening in your city.

 

The Scammer List: An On-Going List of Scams Online 

Facebook Marketplace Scams 

Fake Items

Scammers may list fake or counterfeit items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Be wary of any item that is significantly cheaper than comparable items, as it may be a fake or knock-off version.

Non-existent items

Scammers may list items that don't exist and take payment, but never deliver the item.

Phishing scams

Some scammers use Facebook Marketplace to gather personal information by asking for personal details or asking to move the conversation to a different platform.

Overpayment Scams

Scammers may offer to overpay for an item and ask the seller to refund the difference, but the payment they sent is usually fake.

Shipping Scams

Scammers may ask the seller to ship the item before payment is made. They may say that they will send a check or use another type of payment method, but the payment will never come through.

Rental Scams

Scammers may list a property for rent and ask for a deposit or the first month's rent, but the property doesn't exist or is not available for rent.

 

Scams on Craigslist, Offer-Up, and Other Online Shopping Platforms

Fake cashier's check scams

Scammers may offer to pay for an item with a cashier's check, but the check will turn out to be fake. They will ask the seller to ship the item before the check clears, and the seller will be left with a worthless check and no item.

Money order scams

Similar to cashier's check scams, scammers may offer to pay for an item with a money order, but the money order will turn out to be fake.

Advance fee scams

Scammers may ask the seller to pay an advance fee for a service, such as shipping or handling, but will not provide the service and will keep the seller's money.

Rental scams

Scammers may list a property for rent and ask for a deposit or the first month's rent, but the property doesn't exist or is not available for rent.

Vehicle scams

Scammers may list a vehicle for sale that does not exist, or ask for a deposit for a vehicle that is not available for sale.

Job Scams

Scammers may post fake job offers and ask for personal information or for a fee for training or materials.

Escrow Scams

Scammers may ask to use an escrow service to complete the transaction but the escrow service is fake and the scammer will take your money.

Wire transfer scams

Scammers may ask for payment to be made via wire transfer, which can be difficult to trace and recover.

How to Combat these Scams

It's important to be vigilant when conducting online transactions, as scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people. In addition to the steps listed above, there are a few other things you can do to protect yourself:

Know the signs of a scam

Some scams are easy to spot, but others can be quite convincing. Be aware of the most common signs of a scam, such as requests for money up front, requests for personal information, and offers that seem too good to be true.

Use a trusted source for payment

When conducting a transaction, it's important to use a trusted payment method, such as a credit card or a secure online payment service like PayPal. This can provide an extra layer of protection in case of a scam.

Keep records

Keep records of all transactions, including the date, time, and the amount of money involved. This can be useful if you need to report a scam or seek a refund.

Be careful with online classifieds

Online classifieds websites can be a great way to find deals, but they can also be a breeding ground for scams. Be extra careful when conducting transactions on these types of websites and always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Verify the identity of the stranger

Before meeting a stranger or conducting a transaction, be sure to verify their identity. You can use our service, eZverifi, which can help you ensure that the person you're dealing with is who they say they are.

 

The Scammers are Always at Work

Scammers are always looking for new ways to con people and steal their money, and the rise of the internet and online shopping platforms has given them new opportunities to do so. As technology continues to advance, so do the methods scammers use to defraud people. That's why it's so important to stay vigilant and protect yourself when buying or selling items online. 

It's not just online shopping platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp that you need to be wary of. Scammers also operate on social media, dating apps, and other online communities where they can easily reach a large number of people. They may pose as someone in need, or offer false job opportunities, or even try to steal personal information through phishing scams.

 

The Consequences of Being Scammed Online

Being scammed online can have serious consequences, both financially and emotionally. You may lose money or valuable items, or your personal information could be stolen, putting you at risk of identity theft and fraud. Scammers often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those who are struggling financially. The psychological toll of being scammed can be just as devastating, causing feelings of shame, anger, and helplessness.

 

How to Report Online Scams

If you suspect that you have been scammed or come across a suspicious ad or person online, it's important to report the incident to the relevant authorities. Depending on the type of scam and the country you're in, you may want to contact your local police, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, or the relevant consumer protection agency.

You can also report the scam to the online platform or website where the ad was posted. Many online platforms have systems in place for reporting scams like https://www.ic3.gov/ that will take appropriate action to remove the scammer's account and prevent them from operating on the platform in the future.

Stay Safe and Away From Fraud

By staying informed and aware of the latest scams, and by taking steps to protect yourself online, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. It's always a good idea to research the seller or buyer before you agree to a transaction, use secure payment methods, and never provide personal information to someone you don't trust.

And when buying or searching online, it's a good idea to verify the identity of the person you're dealing with. With our service, you can easily check the background and credibility of the person you're dealing with, helping you avoid scams and feel confident when making transactions online.