Here at Gerätor, we foster an environment that value trust, transparency, and a set of features that enable verification of various aspects of listings and the users. We urge you to use all those means, and those beyond Gerätor as well when you are transacting with anyone.
Gerätor will never send you an email, SMS, chat, voice message or call you to request for any financial information. If you have received any such communication, it is a fraud – DO NOT SHARE ANY SUCH INFORMATION.
Digital marketplaces have revolutionized the way we shop and trade goods and services, offering convenience, variety, and accessibility like never before. However, with the rise of trade on these platforms, a dark underbelly has also emerged – a breeding ground for various kinds of fraud. From counterfeit products to phishing scams and identity theft, perpetrators have found clever and nefarious ways to exploit unsuspecting buyers and sellers. Here are a few kinds of scams, so that you don’t fall victim to these fraudulent activities. Do keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and you can expect many creative ways scammers may try to get their schemes going.
In this common online scam, a customer sends a seller more money than agreed upon and then asks the seller to refund the overage. This tactic, known as overpayment fraud, can take many forms, but the most common involves the customer sending a fake check or money order to the seller. The seller deposits the payment and then, believing they have received the overpayment, sends the customer a refund for the difference.
However, the initial payment does not clear, leaving the marketplace seller losing the first amount and then some. As a result, it is important for sellers to exercise caution when dealing with overpayment requests and to verify that payments have cleared before issuing any refunds.
Fraudulent payment scams have been increasingly common in recent years, with fraudsters seeking alternative means of fraudulently obtaining goods and services. These scams typically occur when the fraudster fraudulently sends a payment, such as fake checks, false money orders, stolen cards, reversible payment apps, or counterfeit bills, to purchase the desired item.
Review fraud is growing online, with malicious users attempting to mislead customers by posting fake reviews. Review fraud typically occurs in one of two forms - fake positive reviews to boost ratings and deceive customers or fake negative reviews into redirecting readers to malicious websites or counterfeit products.
A Google Voice scam occurs when a scammer sends a legitimate seller a message telling them they want to buy the item. Still, they need to ensure the seller is legitimate. They'll request that the seller text them, then send a six-digit Google Voice verification code phone as "proof." But they're trying to set up a Google Voice number linked to the seller's phone number, which they can later use to rip off other people and conceal their identity.
