There are currently scams that target internet sites featuring classified adverts, such as ours, and we wish to make our advertisers aware of such.

The more well promoted a site is on the internet in order to attract genuine potential buyers to the site, it is of course as easily found and targetted by such scammers. Unfortunately we cannot identify individual visitors to our site or ascertain their motifs when visiting and block their access accordingly - it would be nice if we could!

How The Classifieds Cashback Scam Works

Scammers (usually located in another country) contact advertisers, most often by email (as this costs them nothing to make contact) and attempt to pay more than the asking price of the item being sold by cheque, bankers draft, etc and request that the difference between the money paid and the advertised price be refunded, often by money transfer or via a third party such as a shipping agent, business partner or friend. There may be no reason given for the overpayment or the scammer may state that a business partner who owes them a higher amount will be fowarding the cheque for the amount owed to them, etc or simply state that they mistakenly filled out the incorrect amount on the cheque.

The cheque, bankers draft, etc sent to pay for the item may be cleared initially by the seller's bank but is later stopped or rejected by the bank as it is forged or stolen and the scammer has pocketed the money refunded. When this happens the value of the cheque, banker's draft initially credited is then debited from the seller's account and the seller has lost the money fowarded by way of refund. Unlike many other online crimes, the bank will not be liable for these losses.

How To Spot A Scammer

Most often they send a generic introductory email which could apply to multiple adverts and does not refer specifically to the item advertised. The email is often written in bad english and is more concerned with price and location than asking questions about the item offered for sale. Any genuine buyer will ask questions about the item offered for sale.

Relunctance to view the item offered for sale. Any genuine buyer will most likely want to view the item for sale before agreeing to buy.

An offer to pay more than the asking price. Any genuine buyer will only offer to pay the amount asked for. We would also advise that in any sale transaction you request the amount to be paid in cash wherever possible.

Typical introductory emails are reproduced below.

"I will like to know if you still have the advert you posted for sale cause I am Highly interested and i want you to let me know the price also lilttle about the present Condition... If you have photo you can send it to me. I will be waiting to hear back from you and the payment will be by Bank Cheque so i want you to also email me with your; Your Full Name... Your Address..... Your Phone Number... This is what i will be needing from you and also dont forget to let me know the price you are selling.. I will be waiting to hear from you..Thanks."

"i saw yout dog for sell on the internet i am interested in buying it. i will like to know your best price. i will also like to see some photos. i own a small farm. i await your prompt response."

"I just came across your advert for the item and i want to asure you that i am really interested in buying it. I have gone thru the features and it seems alright. Regarding the payment,i will be paying with a certified cshier's check issue by a UK Bank. Kindly let me know if this is okay with you.I will need you to get back to me asap with your full name,contact address and phone number for the payment arrangement. Regarding the shippment,i will make arrangement with my shipper who will come for the pick up of the item. I hope to read back from you soonest."

What To Do If You Are Contacted By A Scammer

If you are contacted by a scammer, we advise you to do the following:

Cease all communication with them.

Do not give out any bank, credit card or personal details to them.

Do not accept a cheque or bankers draft for any amount over the asking price of the item advertised whatever the reason given for the sending of a higher amount and never give any type of refund to someone offering to buy the item advertised.