Buying and selling scams
Scammers pose as buyers or sellers, set up fake websites or profiles on actual retailer sites and pose as businesses you know and trust. Once you pay for or send an item, it’s gone!
STOP.
If you're buying and selling online or in person, don't make the payment if:
- You’re buying something you haven’t viewed in person, or verified through other means. Don’t rely on photos alone, they could be stolen from legitimate adverts.
- The person you’re dealing with claims they can only talk over message rather than on the phone, video call or in person – regardless of the excuse.
- You’re asked to return funds after the person claims to have overpaid. They may provide false “proof of payment”.
- You’re asked to pay upfront for any supposed costs, such as shipping or insurance, with the promise of reimbursement.
- You’re asked to pay money or deposit for a rental property you’re not able to inspect.
- The products or services you’ve been offered are an unusually low price, or seem too good to be true.
- You’ve been asked to use unusual payment methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, money wiring services or PayPal’s ‘Family and Friends’ method (which has limited protections).
CHECK.
Before making the payment:
- View items, pets and properties in person. At the very least, make a video call to check legitimacy. Don’t rely on photos alone, they could be stolen from legitimate adverts.
- Compare pricing - if it’s unusually low, it’s likely a scam.
- Check claims of payment or overpayment through your bank account. Never trust “proofs” offered as they could be falsified or altered.
- Run an internet search of the exact advert wording and do a reverse image search. This can help to identify of images has been stolen from elsewhere to be used in a scam. Please be aware “no match” does not necessarily mean the seller is legitimate.
Check with Credit Union SA by calling 13 8777 if you’re still unsure. We’re here to help and may be able to spot something you’ve missed.
PROTECT.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, you should:
- Contact Credit Union SA immediately on 13 8777.
- Report it to ASIC and the police via cyber.gov.au.
- Stop sending money! Be wary of secondary scams or offers to recover your money.
- Change your passwords and PINs straight away if you suspect your security has been compromised.
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or via idcare.org. IDCARE is a free, Government-funded service that provides support to victims of identity crime.
- Visit the Scamwatch or MoneySmart websites for more information on scams.
STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.
Protect yourself from scams.
If you feel unsure, rushed or pressured into making a payment – it’s probably a scam!
Types of buying and selling scams
Scammers post and buyers and sellers on platforms such as eBay, Gumtree, Marketplace and Carsales, looking for opportunities to exploit victims.
The Seller: they post fake adverts, often with prices too good to be true, or take advantage of in-demand sales such as concert tickets, knowing people are willing to take on more risk to avoid missing out.
The Buyer: They also pose as buyers keen for a quick sale, sometimes offering to pay above the listed price. They claim to have paid you, or overpaid you offering 'proof' and requesting a refund. For higher value items, they may request you pay upfront for any supposed costs, such as shipping or insurance, with the promise of reimbursement.
To avoid this scam:
- Always view items, pets and properties in person. At the very least make a video call to check legitimacy. Don’t rely on photos alone, they could be stolen from legitimate adverts.
- Check claims of payment or overpayment through your bank account. Never trust “proofs” offered as they could be falsified or altered.
Rental scams often involve fake listings, requests for deposits before inspection, and pressure tactics to act quickly. Be cautious about unusually low prices, unconventional payment methods, and inconsistencies in listing details.
To avoid this scam:
- Don't pay any money until you've inspected the property, met the landlord or agent and are satisfied that the offer is genuine. If paying in cash, insist on a receipt at the time of payment.
Scammers set up fake websites or post ads on popular platforms and social media, pretending to sell sought-after pet breeds. They often use stock photos, or copy them from legitimate breeder websites. Prices are often too good to be true, communication may be poor and there could be a lack of transparency.
Once you pay the deposit, a scammer will find new ways to ask for more money, such as claiming higher transportation costs to get across interstate borders. Eventually, the seller will cease all contact.
To avoid this scam:
- Don't pay any money until you've viewed the pet in person. At the very least make a video call to check legitimacy. Don’t rely on photos or videos alone.
- Run an internet search of the exact advert wording and do a reverse image search. This can help to identify of images has been stolen from elsewhere to be used in a scam. Please be aware “no match” does not necessarily mean the seller is legitimate.
Security
Learn moreAt Credit Union SA, we use the latest technology to keep your identity, your information and your money safe, however you choose to bank with us.
Call us
13 8777We're here to answer any questions you might have - make sure you have your Access Code ready!