Scam Alert: Fake sellers on Quikr and OLX

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Over the years we have come across several interesting and clever scams that unsuspecting victims have fallen for. However, in the last few days we have discovered a new technique that seems to have claimed plenty of victims off late. This rather innovative trick does not involve the usage of advanced technology or devices. On the other hand, it uses a simple trick of posting fake ads on online classifieds or auction websites such as Quikr, OLX and more.

The scammers seem to attract attention by posting high value goods like luxury cars from recognized brands such as Audi, BMW and others at unbelievably low prices. When they receive inquiries for these fake Quikr ads, they then proceed to demand some form of processing payment in a rather suave and smooth way that would easily fool most people.

In our case, we received a seemingly convincing email saying that the car in question is stuck in a warehouse and the seller has been immediately transferred to another country.

So the car is brand new and has no registered owner. In order to complete the deal we have to first get the car registered in our name and this will require Rs. 70,000. Scammers are known to outsource this job of money collection to local money mules and this enables them to stay out of the reach of law enforcement agencies. It has also been found that once this initial ‘registration’ money has been paid, the fake sellers and scammers stop responding to all emails and calls.

Common Types of Scams on Quikr and OLX

Scammers use various tactics to deceive users on online marketplaces. Here are some of the most prevalent scams targeting Quikr and OLX users:

Fake Listings

In this type of scam, fraudsters create fake listings for products that don’t exist or are not in their possession. They often use stolen images and offer items at heavily discounted prices to lure potential buyers. Once the victim makes a payment, the scammer disappears, leaving the buyer with no product and no way to recover their money.

Advance-Fee Fraud

Advance-fee fraud, also known as the “419 scam,” involves a scammer requesting upfront payment for an item they promise to deliver later. They may claim to be out of town or facing an emergency situation that requires immediate funds. After receiving the payment, the fraudster cuts off communication, and the buyer never receives the promised item.

Payment Scams

In payment scams, buyers are tricked into making payments through insecure or untraceable methods, such as wire transfers or gift cards. Scammers may also use fake payment confirmation emails or screenshots to convince sellers that they’ve received payment, only to disappear with the item and leave the seller empty-handed.

Red Flags to Identify Fake Sellers

Spotting potential scammers on Quikr and OLX requires a keen eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Unrealistic Prices

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Olx fake sellers often list items at prices significantly lower than the market value to attract potential victims. Be cautious of deals that appear too generous, as they may be a sign of a scam.

Poor Communication

Scammers may be evasive or unresponsive when asked for more information about the item or the transaction process. They might also pressure you to make a quick decision without allowing time for due diligence. Legitimate sellers should be willing to answer questions and provide additional details upon request.

Pressure to Use Unconventional Payment Methods

Be wary of sellers who insist on using untraceable or irreversible payment methods, such as wire transfers or gift cards. Scammers prefer these methods because they make it nearly impossible for victims to recover their money once the transaction is complete. Stick to secure payment options provided by the platform, such as cash on delivery or escrow services.

How Online Marketplaces Create Opportunities for Fraud

All these sites encourage buyers and sellers to interact with each other and this opens up an uninterrupted channel of communication between a potential scammer and an innocent victim. Once this channel has been established, a clever scam artist can manipulate a buyer into sharing his personal details, bank account information and other personal data. This can be achieved with the help of fake phishing pages which look genuine or fraudulent emails which appear to come from official sources.

Top Tips to Avoid Scams

We strongly advise all visitors to such sites to be very careful when they come across ads of great products at very cheap prices. Always remember the motto – “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

With that in mind, here are some crucial safety tips to always keep in mind while scouring auction websites for great deals at throwaway prices.

Never communicate with strangers over SMS. They could be using premium-rate numbers which will lead to high SMS charges for you.

If you receive an email from a potential buyer/seller, check the email address carefully. A small spelling tweak here and there can fool almost anyone.

If you are directed to a form or a website or webpage where you have to enter information, steer away from such pages. If not, at least examine them closely.

Never use credit cards for such payments. If you must use a card, set aside a standalone debit card for such transactions and keep very little money in that account. That way, even if that card is compromised, your losses will be minimal.

If you are shipping a product, ensure that you have received full payment before you actually ship the product out.

If you are to receive a product, try not to give out your home address. Give out your office address or the address of a familiar shop or location from where you can pick up the product.

Carefully read the FAQs of such sites before you undertake any transactions on them.

Lastly, if someone is selling a product and asks you as a buyer to transfer some fraction of the asking price as a registration amount, do not fall for that.

What to Do If You Encounter a Fake Seller

If you suspect that you’ve encountered an OLX scam or a fake seller on Quikr, take the following steps to protect yourself and others:

Both Quikr and OLX have dedicated channels for reporting suspicious activity. Provide as much detail as possible, including any evidence of the scam, such as screenshots of conversations or payment requests.

If you’ve fallen victim to an OLX fraud, consider filing a complaint with your local police department or cybercrime unit. They may be able to investigate the incident and potentially recover your funds.

Share your experience with friends, family, and online communities to help others avoid falling for similar scams. The more people are aware of these tactics, the less likely they are to become victims themselves.

Scammers may attempt to infect your device with malware or steal your personal information. Use a comprehensive security solution like Quick Heal Total Security to safeguard your devices against online threats.

Conclusion

As online marketplaces continue to grow in popularity, so do the risks of falling victim to OLX fraud cases and quikr frauds. By staying informed about common scam tactics, recognizing red flags, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy a safer, more secure experience on platforms like Quikr and OLX. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true or a seller pressures you to act quickly, trust your instincts and walk away. With vigilance and awareness, you can avoid becoming another victim of OLX army fraud or UPI scam OLX.

Scam Alert: Fake sellers on Quikr and OLX

Rahul Thadani

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