Classified ad scam

An item on a classified ad platform is not delivered or not paid for.

The internet is full of buyers and sellers with dubious intentions who want to cheat you and take your money. Buying from an unknown person always carries a certain risk. Classified ad fraud is one of the cybercrimes most reported to the police.

Specific measures

• If you suspect that the seller has fraudulent intentions, immediately stop the communication and ignore future emails.
• In the event of financial loss, the NCSC recommends filing a criminal complaint with the cantonal prosecution authorities. You can search for police stations in your area and their telephone numbers on the Suisse ePolice website: https://www.suisse-epolice.ch/#/search-station (in French, German, Italian).
• Inform the classified ad platform about the incident, so that it can block the corresponding offers, buyers and/or sellers.
• If you provided a copy of your ID card or passport to the fraudsters, report the incident to the ID or passport issuing office.

Preventive measures

• Use the classified ad platform's rating system. Check the reviews from sellers. But bear in mind that reviews can also be bogus, especially if there are some very good and some very bad reviews.
• Be suspicious if an offer is obviously too cheap.
• For purchases involving large amounts of money, the transaction should be carried out via a trust company that you have chosen yourself.
• Be sceptical if the merchant claims to be located in Switzerland but wants the payment to be sent abroad.
• When transferring money, make sure that the seller and the account holder are identical.
• Choose the most secure payment/delivery options (e.g. cash on delivery).
• Money transfer services are often misused by fraudsters as these payments cannot be tracked.
• Ideally, you should collect the goods in person and pay for them then.
• Ignore any requests to provide a copy of your passport or ID card
  

Effects and risks

• Financial loss
• Wasted time and energy
• Personal data provided (including ID card or passport) may be used for further scams

Further Information

• You will find further information on our website:
  Buying and selling online
• You will find further information on the Swiss Crime Prevention website:
  https://www.skppsc.ch/de/download/verlockende-kleinanzeigen/ (in German, French or Italian)

Last modification 22.11.2023