Most Common Scams On Olx And Quikr

Olx and Quikr are two of India’s most popular marketplaces and online classified sites. Every day these platforms handle thousands of buying and selling transactions This number is growing by the day.

However, Olx has recently come under scrutiny for advance fee fraud and other online purchase scams.

As a buyer/seller, we advise advised our readers to be vigilant and aware of all aspects of the transaction. Here’s everything you need to know about online purchase scams and some tips for buying safely on Olx and Quiqkr like platforms.

Advance Fee Scams On Olx and Quikr

Advance fee scam involving the buying/selling of products on e-commerce and social media platforms is on the rise. It entails requesting an advance payment from the buyer or seller for goods or services that never materialise!

This is especially a nuisance on online classified sites such as Olx that conducts business outside the platform. Because all communications and negotiations are conducted over the phone or via email, the company has no way of keeping track of fraudulent transactions.

The following are common methods used in online purchase scams involving a questionable advance payment:

1. Tempting and lucrative offers, some of which are simply too good to be true
2. Claiming affiliation with reputable and trustworthy professions such as defence, doctors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
3. Emotional extortion
4. Exhibiting unnecessary haste

Once the victim has paid, the fraudster either spins a web of lies in order to extract more money, or simply vanishes! As a result, it is critical that you buy safely on Olx and other similar platforms.

Typical Scamming Methods

1. Scammer Imitating As Army Man

When dealing with a seller/buyer who claims to be in the Army, proceed with extreme caution.
According to media outlets, nearly 37 people were allegedly duped in OLX scams involving Army personnel. And the method was the same in every case where the fraudster claimed to be from the Army or CISF.Be wary of such OLX scams!

There has been a significant increase in advance fee fraud on online classified sites using leaked or counterfeited soft copies of Army or CISF ID cards. Fraudsters are impersonating police officers and Army personnel in order to gain the buyer’s trust.

The ID proofs used in such OLX scams were obtained either from OLX or from travel agencies. Buyers are then duped into a dubious deal because of the seller’s reputable background. The unsuspecting buyer falls victim to advance fee fraud and never receives the ordered product.

2. Call from the Airport

The shady seller advertises a lucrative deal on the website. The buyer is then brainwashed with a completely fabricated story. The seller informs the buyer that the vehicle is currently parked at the airport and will require customs clearance.

Some conmen demand an upfront payment under the guise of road clearances and VIP parking fees. It will not be released to the buyer unless an advance payment is made.

Some Olx scam victims receive calls from a Fake Airport Customs Officer, further enticing them to make the payment.

Victims frequently end up making the payment, which is usually in excess of a lakh. As a result, the seller no longer returns the buyer’s calls. It is only then that they realise they have made a mistake.

3. Distant Buyer Scam

A fake buyer claims to be from abroad and requests that the item be shipped to him. The scammer promises to reimburse the seller for the shipping costs once the product is delivered.
The buyer quotes extremely high shipping costs due to his remote location.

The item and shipping charges are collected from the seller’s doorstep by a phoney representative.

The seller is given fake courier information, and some even receive a fake email with the information. Throughout this time, the victim receives notifications from the bank and the courier company regarding the receipt of payments.

The victim is then asked to share the courier information for sending him the shipping charges and payment for the item. The buyer and everyone else involved go missing after the seller ships the product.

How to Avoid OLX Scams?

Although online classifieds such as Olx and Quikr provide a convenient platform for buying and selling, users should proceed with caution.

When it comes to selling and purchasing electronic items, particularly smartphones, these portals are quite effective. Some people even consider buying used cars on such platforms and fall victim to Olx scams.

Scams on Olx are on the rise. Sure. However, it will not be limited to Olx alone. Scammers are coming up with new ways to target people with advance fee scams. However, here are some helpful hints for buying safely on Olx.

Tips to Identify OLX Scams

• Any demand for an advance payment to cover duty/shipment/conversion/courier or processing charges is likely to be a trap for an advance fee. Please avoid getting involved in such transactions.
• Proceed with caution if the seller insists on a down payment for urgent, medical, or emotional reasons. This is nothing more than a set-up for Olx scams.
• Money demands that include an assurance of fraud/loss recovery are also likely to be scams and advance fee frauds.
• It is your responsibility as a buyer to understand who you are dealing with. Validate the seller’s name, address, website, and phone number independently. Try searching the internet for relevant information about the buyer.

Suggestions for Sellers

• Typically, fraudulent buyers claim to have paid more money online and then demand that the seller pay the difference. DO NOT CONSIDER such claims unless you have confirmed them with your bank and received a payment clearance statement.
• Thoroughly check emails and messages. Nowadays, fraudsters are skilled at modifying emails and creating websites that closely resemble legitimate businesses.
• Keep in mind that no courier company or bank will ever send you a message stating that they are holding money for you. Any message stating that the payment will be credited once the seller sends them the courier details for the shipped product is a ruse.

How to Report OLX Scams

All police stations have cyber cells to catch the perpetrators. You should file a complaint at the nearest police station. The legal authorities can assist you in resolving the complaints and saving you from potential losses. Some of the details are given below.

1. Contact the Platform

If you believe you have been duped, you should report the ad or the seller to the platform. Report the ad or the seller through the app or website.

2. Send a Legal Notice to the Platform

Even after reporting a Seller or Ad, you may not receive assistance from OLX. In all of these cases, you can launch a social media campaign against OLX and tweet about it.

If you still do not receive any responses, your best option is to send a professionally drafted Legal Notice to OLX requesting that they fix the problem or face legal action.

Conclusion

You are less vulnerable from OLX Scams if you are aware of their modus operandi. If you have been scammed, you know exactly what you need to do now. OLX scams highlights the importance of acting responsibly when conducting online transactions. 

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