How to avoid scams as a seller on eBay Kleinanzeigen

E-commerce fraud is all too common these days, unfortunately—but scammers aren’t just targeting buyers anymore. They’re also trying to rob sellers, using new scam tactics on eBay Kleinanzeigen. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll bring you up to date on the new scam that criminals are using and how you can recognize scammers on the platform. We’ve also got the details about a payment method—offered by eBay Kleinanzeigen—that’s safe and free-of-charge.

There’s a new phishing scam circulating on eBay Kleinanzeigen, and, unlike the typical scams that try to cheat shoppers, this one targets sellers. Here’s how it works: Sellers are contacted by a person posing as a potential buyer. But instead of using the in-platform message function provided by eBay Kleinanzeigen, the scammer writes over a messaging app like WhatsApp. 

At first, it sounds fine—the criminal pretends to be interested in the item and says they want to pay using eBay Kleinanzeigen’s Sicher bezahlen (“Pay safely”) payment method. With this payment option, an interested shopper can send a purchase request to a seller directly in the eBay Kleinanzeigen app. Once the seller confirms, the buyer makes the payment—also within the app. We’ll talk more about this process below and how it can keep buyers and sellers safe.

Scammers don’t actually want to use this secure payment method. Instead of sending a buying request in the eBay Kleinanzeigen app, scammers send sellers a text message with an external link. When the seller clicks on it, they’re asked to enter their credit or debit card details in order to receive the payment. Cybercriminals also claim that the payment might require confirmation via a push message sent by the bank. If the seller follows these instructions, their credit or debit card is charged.

Now that you know how this phishing scam operates, you can recognize it more quickly. You can also take steps to make it less likely that scammers will target you. Here are a few things you should be aware of in order to sell safely on eBay Kleinanzeigen: 

• Never enter your credit or debit card details. When you’re selling on eBay Kleinanzeigen, you will never be asked to enter your card details.
• Use the message function provided by eBay Kleinanzeigen. When you’re in contact with potential buyers, you should stay on eBay Kleinanzeigen and avoid other messaging services. 
• Never click on links from potential buyers. You never know what kind of link it might be or where it might take you.
• Don't provide your phone number when you list an item. This will stop scammers from contacting you privately, because your phone number won’t be publicly visible. 

In general: for your own safety, it’s best to only use the message and payment functions offered by eBay Kleinanzeigen.

As a seller, you should only use secure payment methods. With Sicher bezahlen, the in-platform payment option offered by eBay Kleinanzeigen, you benefit from free seller protection. Plus, you can process the entire sale directly within the eBay Kleinanzeigen app.

Once you're ready to make a deal with a buyer, you can simply ask them to click the Sicher bezahlen button in the conversation thread. This takes the buyer through the payment process, and they pay the agreed amount to eBay Kleinanzeigen. The platform then holds the money for safekeeping until the buyer receives their purchase. As soon as the buyer confirms that they’ve received the item, eBay Kleinanzeigen will transfer the amount to your account. 

Platforms like eBay Kleinanzeigen are a convenient way to make some extra money from stuff you no longer need. These tips will help you protect yourself, so you can sell without stressing about potential fraud.

Think you've already fallen victim to a scam? If so, you should report it to your local police station as soon as possible. If you’ve already shared your card details, IBAN, ID, or any other personal information, you should also report this to your bank as soon as possible so that your account can be secured. 

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The scam we described here is just one example of the creative ways scammers try to get your money and personal information. Check out our blog post on phishing to learn how you can recognize and protect yourself from all sorts of phishing attacks. Can’t get enough of online shopping? Then don’t miss our guide to staying safe while online shopping. And if you’d like to learn more about secure online banking, our dedicated guide has the information you need.