Classified ad fraud
Criminals pose as legitimate buyers on online marketplaces, auction sites and second-hand platforms such as Tutti, Ricardo and Facebook Marketplace. A quick agreement on the purchase is followed by a fake email, text or WhatsApp message that appears to come from the online marketplace. Sellers are redirected via a link or QR code to fake websites that look deceptively similar to the real post office, bank or TWINT websites. Anyone entering data into these sites transmits the data directly to fraudsters whose aim is to obtain payment and card data.
Typical warning signs
Be suspicious if:
someone gets in touch immediately after your listing goes live and wants to buy the item in an unusual rush;
you are asked to make the payment outside the official platform, for example via a link sent by text message, WhatsApp or email;
you are made to believe that payment has already been made;
you are asked to enter your credit or debit card details or the login details for your e-banking or TWINT account on an external website;
you are asked to forward or reply to an incoming SMS or email code in order to receive a payment;
you are asked to do something or confirm a payment in order to receive money via TWINT.
Here’s how to protect yourself
You must never provide confirmation or disclose a code in order to receive money.
Use the relevant platform’s official communication channel and do not switch to WhatsApp, text messages, any other messaging service or email.
Never reveal access data, SMS and e-mail codes to third parties, not even for supposed verification purposes.
Terminate any suspicious contacts and block or report the individuals in question to the relevant platform.
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards. Read moreTypes of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments. Read moreTypes of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains. Read moreTypes of fraud
Merchandise or services fraud
Fraudsters offer goods or services but fail to deliver them, or only deliver substandard goods or services. Read moreTypes of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device. Read moreTypes of fraud
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money. Read moreTypes of fraud
Investment fraud
Criminals attract people with the promise of large profits and subsequently swindle them out of their money. Read more
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards.
Types of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments.
Types of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains.
Types of fraud
Merchandise or services fraud
Fraudsters offer goods or services but fail to deliver them, or only deliver substandard goods or services.
Types of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device.
Types of fraud
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money.