Online Sales Scam

Date: 08/16/2017

There are more ways than ever to sell your old things online, and scammers are waiting for you.

Who Is It Targeting: Online marketplace users

What Is It: Scams that steal your money and items

What Are They After: No matter whether you’re buying or selling, the apps and websites where you can shop or sell used items are cause for caution. One user received an email from PayPal, informing him that the funds had been deposited into his account; therefore, he shipped the expensive watch he was selling to its recipient. Only later did he discover that the PayPal email was “spoofed,” and made to look like it had come from the company.

How Can You Avoid It:

  • Be very mindful of the items you buy or sell online.
  • Safeguard your information when dealing with a buyer or seller.
  • If you’re using an online payment option like PayPal, ensure that any funds have been secured in your account before shipping your items.

Find more information about current scams and alerts here. For full details of this scam check out this article from ActionNewsJax.com.


If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530.

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