CYBER security chiefs in Scotland are warning bargain hunters to be on their guard after a spate of incidents on a popular classified sales website.
The Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) says they involve one particular con trick that seeks to play on people’s kindness.
Gerry Grant, an SBRC cybercrime expert, said: “Gumtree offers a fast and convenient way to buy and sell unwanted or second-hand products.
“While the vast majority of buyers and sellers on the site are legitimate we urge people to think carefully before agreeing on unconventional payment methods or trades.”
A scam currently popular on the site comes from supposed “buyers” who claim to have problems sorting a courier, and ask sellers to pay charges that will be compensated in a PayPal payment.
The “buyer” will then claim to have made the payment through PayPal and will send a fraudulent e-mail confirming this. Sellers are then asked to pay the courier through a third party site such as MoneyGram or Western Union that has, according to the scammer, been accounted for in the PayPal payment.
Needless to say, no such payment has been made and any money transferred makes its way to the fraudsters.
Grant added: “When processing any payments or services online it is important to exercise reasonable caution. If you find something suspicious, ask for further confirmation and only proceed if you are sure confirmation and guarantees are genuine.
“One of the things that make these kinds of sites and services so useful is the ability to connect you with many people interested in buying what you’re selling.
“It’s better to wait for a genuine buyer than risk being ripped-off just to expedite the process.”
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