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Cheated as a seller on Kleinanzeigen: the typical scams

It is not only buyers who get cheated; as a seller you are a popular target. The fraudsters pose as interested buyers and try to get goods or data without really paying. Anyone who knows the scams does not fall for them.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Typical seller scams: a fake payment confirmation by email, an 'accidental' overpayment with a request to transfer money back, pushing for an external 'payment or shipping link', or PayPal 'Friends & Family' (no buyer protection, which here protects the fraudster).
Your most important rule: hand over goods or data only once real money is finally with you. Then almost every scam comes to nothing.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Money in first, then ship

    Ship nothing on the basis of a mere email 'confirmation'. Check the actual receipt in your account or in the app.

  2. 2

    2. No refund for an 'overpayment'

    Anyone who 'transferred too much' and wants a refund is almost always a fraudster (the original payment is fake or gets reversed). Do not transfer anything back.

  3. 3

    3. No external links, no F&F

    Reject sent payment or shipping links and PayPal 'Friends & Family'. Use only the official, protected channels.

  4. 4

    4. Give away no data

    Do not give ID, account, or code data to alleged buyers or enter it on linked pages.

How to spot the scam

  • The buyer allegedly pays 'too much' and wants a refund.
  • Pushing for PayPal 'Friends & Family' or an external payment link.
  • Payment confirmation only by email, without real money arriving.

Frequently asked questions

A buyer wants to pay via PayPal 'Friends & Family', is that okay?

For you as a seller that is risky: with 'Friends & Family' there is no buyer protection, which mainly benefits fraudsters. Insist on 'Goods & Services' or another secure, verifiable payment, and ship only after real receipt.

What is the overpayment scam?

The fraudster 'transfers' (fraudulently) more than agreed and asks you to pay back the difference. The original credit later disappears again, and your transferred-back money is then really gone. Never pay back on the basis of an alleged overpayment.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.