Online sellers in the snare of scammers

A citizen in Pristina recently reported an unusual transaction attempt following the posting of a sale advertisement on the online marketplace, MerrJep. Shortly after the advertisement went live on the platform, the seller was contacted by an individual claiming to be a potential buyer. The “buyer” inquired about the product’s availability and proposed an entirely online payment method.

According to the buyer, the transaction could be finalized through a payment link, requiring only confirmation from the seller. When the seller requested standard verification—specifically, confirmation of the bank card details and the precise amount available in the account—the individual abruptly stopped communication. Upon investigation, discrepancies were noted in the contact information provided.

The Viber profile associated with the communication displayed an Albanian female name and an accompanying photograph, yet the registered phone number utilized a Croatian prefix. Radio Free Europe stated that they were unable to verify the true identity of the person operating the account. The incident highlights the caution required when conducting transactions through online platforms.

The initial advertisement, while legitimate in its posting, appears to have been targeted by an individual attempting to circumvent standard verification procedures for payment. The swift withdrawal of the “buyer” after being asked for basic financial confirmation raises questions regarding the nature and intent of the initial contact.

Topics: #online #advertisement #platform

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