The trade in new and used goods, vehicles and real estate amongst private individuals is mainly conducted via online marketplaces nowadays. Although the majority of transactions is concluded without any problems, there are also fraud cases occurring on such online marketplaces.
The Schweizerische Kriminalprävention (SKP) in cooperation with the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG online marketplaces and the cantonal and city police forces is raising awareness amongst the population of the various scams used on online marketplaces with the help of their current prevention campaign “Too good to be true, isn’t it?!”.
Next to applying a healthy level of distrust, you should also follow a few rules of conduct on online marketplaces:
- If it looks too good to be true, it probably is: Don’t go for unrealistic offers.
- You should limit yourself to offers from your own region. That way, many fraudulent offers (which can reach a wide catchment area) are not displayed in the first place.
- Check reviews of potential business partners before you enter into any deal.
- Carefully read the offer description before you buy. In case of doubt, ask.
- Whenever possible, you should only sell or buy your items collection-only and against cash payments.
- Don’t pay any insurance, handling or shipping fees in advance.
- Don’t agree any payment methods unfamiliar to you.
- Cut off all contact with a buyer or seller if they try and put you under pressure.
You can find information on signs and types of scams, your legal position etc. (campaign website) here: www.nichtwahr.ch (in German)
