Kleinanzeigen 'secure payment': when the buyer is cheating

You are selling or buying on Kleinanzeigen and the other party pushes to handle 'secure payment' via a link they send you by chat or email? Be careful: that is exactly a common scam. Genuine payment protection runs only inside the app, never through sent links.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The scam: the fraudster sends a deceptively real 'secure payment' link that leads to a fake page. There you are supposed to enter bank or card details or a confirmation code, and those land directly with the perpetrator.

As long as you use genuine payment protection only in the official app or website and enter no data on sent links, you are protected. Buyer protection only applies to the genuine in-app payment.

What you should do now

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1. Do not use sent links
Handle 'secure payment' exclusively in the official app. Never click on payment links from chat or emails.
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2. Enter no codes or bank details
Never enter a TAN, card details, or confirmation codes on a page that a link from the message takes you to.
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3. If it is a seller scam, send nothing
As a seller, ship the goods only once the money is genuinely and finally credited to your account or in the app, not on the basis of a mere 'payment confirmation' by email.
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4. Already entered data? Act immediately
Block your card or account via 116 116, change passwords, and file a report. If you paid, try to recall the payment through your bank right away.

How to spot the scam

The other party insists on 'secure payment' via a link by chat or email.
You are supposed to enter bank or card details or a code on a linked page.
An alleged 'payment confirmation' by email before real money has arrived.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'secure payment' on Kleinanzeigen safe?

The genuine in-app payment protection is reputable and offers buyer protection. Only fake versions are dangerous: if someone sends you a 'secure payment' link by chat or email, that is phishing. Use the feature exclusively in the official app.

As a seller I received a payment confirmation by email, may I ship?

No, not on that alone. Such emails are often fake. Ship only once the money has actually and finally arrived with you. When in doubt, check the genuine payment status in the app.

Take action now

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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.