Fraud on Classifieds Platforms
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was included because it is based on a report from Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention. It is intended to protect other users from this type of fraud. The assessed risk level is elevated.
How the scam works
- Fraudsters place fake or exaggerated listings on classifieds and vehicle platforms.
- They pose as serious buyers or sellers to interested parties and build trust.
- By misrepresenting facts (e.g., alleged defect-free condition, alleged ownership), the victim is deceived.
- The victim is asked for an advance payment, deposit, or transmission of payment data.
- After payment, contact is broken off or the goods are never delivered.
- This constitutes the criminal offense of fraud under Paragraph 263 StGB.
How to recognise it
- Offers appear particularly cheap or unusually favorable
- Buyers or sellers want advance payment or deposit before receipt of the goods
- Contact takes place exclusively online; in-person handover is avoided
- Payment methods are to be processed via insecure or unusual channels
- For online car purchases, there is no proof of vehicle condition or ownership
- Pressure tactics: quick decisions are demanded without time for review
- Switch to an external 'payment link'
- Advance payment / shipping before payment is received
How to protect yourself
- Use the information provided by the police, for example the initiative 'Sicherer Autokauf im Internet' (www.sicherer-autokauf.de).
- Follow the sample contract provided there and observe the described precautions.
- Never pay in advance before you have personally inspected the goods or vehicle.
- Secure all messages, payment receipts, and listing texts as evidence.
- Order free print products from the police for prevention via the media service.
- Contact your local Verbraucherzentrale or the police if you are suspicious.
What you should never do
- Do not make any advance payments or deposits before you have seen the goods or vehicle.
- Do not share bank, credit card, or account details with unknown persons.
- Do not let yourself be pressured – not even by allegedly urgent interested parties.
- Do not ignore suspicious listings, but report them to the platform and the police.
- Do not try to recover the amount on your own, but inform the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to make a deposit if a buyer or seller insists on it?
No. Legitimate transactions can also take place without advance payment. If you are pressured, you should become suspicious and abort the transaction.
How do the fraudsters know what I am looking for?
They systematically search classifieds platforms for current listings and requests and contact the advertisers.
What can I do if I have already transferred money?
Secure all evidence (chats, emails, transfer receipts) and file a report with the police. Additionally, contact your bank and the Verbraucherzentrale.
Where can I find reliable help regarding safe online purchases?
The initiative 'Sicherer Autokauf im Internet' at www.sicherer-autokauf.de offers comprehensive tips and a sample contract. Additionally, free print products are available from the police media service.
What criminal offense is involved in such schemes?
It constitutes fraud within the meaning of Paragraph 263 StGB – obtaining a financial advantage through deception of others.
Affected data
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Original source
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Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention ↗Update history
- 23/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added