How They Scam on Avito, eBay, and OLX: New Schemes

Online marketplaces provide a convenient platform for buying and selling goods, but they also create favorable conditions for fraud. Scammers use various schemes on Avito, eBay, OLX, and other services, causing users to lose money.

Marketplace Fraud: Popular Schemes 

The most common fraud methods:

1. Selling non-existent goods – scammers post ads with low prices, require prepayment, and then disappear.
2. Fake payment links – sending fake payment pages to steal bank card details.
3. Return scams – buyers on eBay order goods and then return damaged ones, demanding a refund.
4. False claims – buyers claim they did not receive the order, although the item was delivered.
5. Changing delivery address – after purchasing, scammers request an address change and then open a dispute about non-receipt of the item.
6. Fake middlemen – offering «guarantors» for the deal, who end up keeping the victim's money.

Avito Scams: How Scammers Operate 

On Avito, scammers use several popular tactics:

• Fake «safe deals» – sending a link to a fake payment page where the buyer enters card details, and the money goes to scammers.
• Fake buyers – sending fake notifications of money transfers, but the money never arrives.
• Selling poor-quality goods – instead of a new device, a faulty or counterfeit one arrives.

Victims usually lose money by prepaying to scammers' accounts or receiving items that do not match the description.

OLX Frauds: How Offenders Operate 

On OLX, similar fraud schemes operate:

1. Requesting passport data – under the pretext of arranging delivery, scammers request photos of documents and take out loans in the victim's name.
2. Prepayment scams – the seller insists on partial or full prepayment and then disappears.
3. Fake delivery services – the buyer enters card details on fake sites, losing money.

To avoid fraud, it's important to check the seller's reputation and use only official payment methods.

eBay Scammers: Fraud Schemes on the Platform 

On eBay, scammers can pose as both sellers and buyers.

Popular eBay scam schemes:

• Fake returns – the buyer orders an item and then returns a damaged or counterfeit one, demanding a refund.
• Payment outside the platform – sellers suggest transferring money directly, bypassing eBay, and then do not send the item.
• PayPal fraud – buyers claim they did not receive the package and request a refund through the payment system.
• Changing delivery address – after placing an order, the scammer asks to change the address and then opens a dispute claiming the item was not received.

To avoid such situations, buyers should not transfer money outside the platform, and sellers should only send orders to the address specified in the system with tracking.

Scams on Classified Boards: Key Risks 

Classified boards, such as Avito, OLX, and others, are often used by scammers due to anonymity and lack of strict moderation.

The most common fraud schemes:

1. Selling fake goods – goods from well-known brands are sold at a reduced price, but buyers end up with a fake or nothing at all.
2. Renting non-existent housing – scammers post ads for apartment rentals, demand prepayment, and disappear.
3. Fake job offers – ads for high-paying jobs with a requirement for prepayment for document processing or training.

To avoid fraud, check the seller's information, avoid prepayments, and use official payment methods.

Fake Online Sellers and Fake Reviews 

Another common type of fraud is using fake reviews to create a positive image or discredit competitors.

How do fake reviews work?

• Rating manipulation – sellers use fake accounts to post glowing comments.
• Attacks on competitors – negative reviews lower competitors' ratings and deter buyers.
• Selling reviews – positive and negative reviews can be purchased online for money.

How to distinguish fake reviews? 

• Identical style – similar wording and style indicate artificially created comments.
• Lack of detail – fake reviews often contain general phrases without specifics.
• Excessive emotionality – overly enthusiastic or harsh comments may be fake.

How to Avoid Being Scammed on Marketplaces

To avoid fraud, it is necessary to follow basic precautions.

Tips for Buyers: 

1. Check the seller's reputation, analyze the registration date, and read reviews.
2. Pay for goods only through the official marketplace services.
3. Do not transfer money directly to the seller.
4. Do not follow suspicious links sent in personal messages.

Tips for Sellers: 

1. Do not provide personal data and details to unknown persons.
2. Verify money receipt in the account before sending the goods.
3. Do not agree to deals through third-party services.

Following these rules will help minimize risks and avoid losing money when buying and selling on Avito, eBay, OLX, and other marketplaces.