It\u2019s never been easier to sell an old phone, a sofa, or concert tickets online \u2014 but it\u2019s also never been riskier. From fake profiles to disappearing payments, scammers are finding new ways to trick even the most cautious buyers and sellers. As more Australians turn to Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, the number of victims continues to climb.<\/p>\n
Online marketplaces have become a modern treasure trove \u2014 a place where people can find a bargain, make a bit of cash, or pass on unwanted items. But that convenience has created a perfect hunting ground for scammers. According to data from Scamwatch, over 19,000 shopping scams have been reported this year, with losses exceeding $8.6 million. That\u2019s a 19 per cent rise from the previous year, and experts say the real number is likely much higher.<\/p>\n
The problem isn\u2019t limited to buyers. Scammers pose as both sides of the transaction, making it harder to spot them. Some create listings for products that don\u2019t exist, luring buyers with deals that seem too good to pass up. Others act as \u201cbuyers<\/em>,\u201d sending fake payment confirmations before vanishing with the goods. It\u2019s a digital version of pickpocketing \u2014 fast, convincing, and hard to trace.<\/p>\n These schemes often rely on psychology. Scammers know that when people feel rushed \u2014 excited by a bargain or anxious not to lose out \u2014 they\u2019re more likely to make mistakes. That\u2019s why so many fake listings use phrases like \u201curgent sale<\/em>\u201d or \u201clots of interest \u2014 act fast!\u201d Many also ask for unusual payment methods such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.<\/p>\n These are difficult, if not impossible, to recover once the money is sent. Others send phishing links disguised as payment confirmations, tricking users into handing over personal or banking information. It\u2019s a fast-moving, constantly evolving game \u2014 and every time a scam is exposed, a new version pops up, ABC News<\/a> warms.<\/p>\n Experts at the National Anti-Scam Centre have one clear message: slow down. Their advice follows a simple formula \u2014 stop, check, protect. Before sending money or confirming a sale, take time to verify who you\u2019re dealing with. Buyers should never pay before seeing an item in person, and sellers shouldn\u2019t hand anything over until the payment has cleared in their own account \u2014 not just based on screenshots or messages.<\/p>\n For in-person meetups, public places with CCTV coverage are safest, and some states like Victoria now have dedicated \u201csafe exchange zones<\/em>\u201d at police stations for exactly this reason. When shopping online, use secure payment systems such as PayPal, BPAY, or credit cards, which offer dispute resolution. And if you\u2019re selling, be wary of anyone who insists on unusual payment methods or pushes you to act quickly.<\/p>\n Realising you\u2019ve been tricked can be devastating, but acting fast can help. The first step is to contact your bank and try to block the transaction. If personal details were shared, report it to IDCARE and Scamwatch. It\u2019s also smart to change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor your bank statements closely for suspicious activity.<\/p>\n Authorities stress that even if you spot a scam before losing money, reporting it still helps others. Every report adds to a larger picture of how scammers operate, allowing agencies to warn others and shut down fake accounts faster.<\/p>\n Selling or buying online will always involve some risk \u2014 but awareness is your best defence. These scams thrive on haste and trust, so the slower you go, the safer you are. Whether it\u2019s an old phone, a vintage couch, or concert tickets, take a moment to verify before you tap \u201csend.<\/em>\u201d In a world full of instant transactions and endless listings, it\u2019s easy to get caught up in the rush.<\/p>\nHow Scammers Lure Victims<\/h2>\n
How to Stay Safe When Buying or Selling<\/h2>\n
What to Do If You\u2019ve Been Scammed<\/h2>\n
The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n