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.