Getting a bargain for an item of clothing or knick-knack online can feel like a real win, especially with there being so many sites to browse.
The rise of the buyer-seller platform has seen many people get rid of unwanted items and find new treasures at the same time.
However, it always pays to be vigilant, as scammers sometimes use these sites to get money out of people in unsuspecting ways.
This is why Joseph Rindsland, Head of Trust and Safety at the buyer-seller platform Gumtree, has shared a number of red flags for people to spot.
4 ways to avoid scammers on Gumtree
1. The price - check the item’s value beforehand
It's best to be aware if an item looks suspiciously cheap, as Rindsland suggests proceeding with caution.
The item might not be as it appears or in a good condition, so if it seems too good to be true, it quite possibly is.
He adds: "Before purchasing, find out how much the item costs elsewhere - both new, and used.
"That way you’ll know what the rough amount should be, and won’t end up paying over the odds."
2. The look and feel of the item - slow down and do some research
If you're looking to buy an item on Gumtree it's important to take some time and research what you are purcahsing.
Rindsland says: "Red flags that commonly occur in suspicious listings include badly written or very short descriptions, or poorly taken photographs of the item.
"If so, ask the seller some questions about the product to gauge more info about its condition.
"If you are buying anything branded, make sure to research the difference between replicas and genuine products to spot any obvious signs of fakes."
3. The payment stage - stay secure, and avoid oversharing
One of the most crucial things to avoid when buying items online is to not overshare your bank details.
Rindsland explains: "Platforms like Gumtree will never ask for your bank details, identification or passwords, and we don’t offer the ability to pay online for items, so be wary if links are sent promising such a service.
"You should also think twice if you’re asked for a deposit. It’s best to keep all communications on the platform for our team to moderate if needed.
"Once you’ve decided you can trust the seller and the item matches your expectations, you should opt for a secure payment method.
"Scammers will commonly try and get you to pay using a method that does not offer protection, such as bank transfer. They can then lose contact, leaving you without your item or with different goods.
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"Instead where possible, when purchasing from someone, you should opt for a cash transaction or a trusted online method from other payment providers which offer more protection."
4. The seller - meet them in person
Finally, Rindsland recommends meeting the seller face-to-face during the day in a busy public place and taking a friend along with you.
He adds: "This face-to-face meeting will allow you to not only gauge if you can indeed trust them, but it also gives you a chance to check if the item you’re purchasing matches the listing’s description. "
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