SCAM UPDATE

Amy_TradingPost — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:10:39 GMT

We have reason to believe that, there may currently be some scam advertisements appearing on tradingpost.com.au for cars, caravans, boats and motorbikes advertised well below market value. The only contact details provided by the sellers in relation to these advertisements is an email address through which they will request payment to be made via a cash transfer service like Western Union or Moneygram. These payment methods are prohibited on Trading Post®.

The sellers email offers a Live Chat function suggesting users can contact Trading Post® through a live chat box in the email to confirm the legitimacy of the transaction. They also state they have verified trader status, allowing them to make use of a Trading Post® buyer protection program.

PLEASE NOTE: Trading Post® does not currently have a live chat or a buyer protection service available for users.

These listings are removed by Trading Post® as soon as they are detected, however if you do contact a seller of a fraudulent listing below is an example of the email you may receive:

Transaction started with a . Transaction details and instructions:
The seller [Seller name] started this transaction through us because he is out of Australia and you will see and inspect the item only after you have made the payment. Currently, the seller has a AU $10,000,00 deposit in an TradingPost purchase protection account. After you have made the payment you will receive the item in 3 days. After the item is received, you have ten days to inspect it. If it is complete and as described, you should accept the item. If not, you have 10 days from the reception date to request a refund. Refund requests are processed within 24 hours. The insured amount of the transaction will be taken from the seller's purchase protection account and refunded to you. The refund is sent to your bank account, or by check or money order. The way you are refunded is at your discretion. Also we confirm that the item that you are buying is on the name of the seller [Seller name], there are no money o wing on it, it comes with a clear title and there are no accidents. If you are ready to purchase the item you must send to the seller [Seller name] via email at [email address] your full name and address for shipping. After you have sent your details to the seller you will receive the payment instructions from us. You are buying from a VerifiedTrader so if something goes wrong you will receive your money back in maxx 24 hours.

Do you have any questions ?
Contact Trading Post Live Support Team.

Should you receive the above email, or a similar email you should cease all contact with the seller immediately and contact Trading Post® with the details of the advertisement, you can email us at investigations@tradingpost.com.au

How to Protect Yourself

Never send money via cash transfer services eg Western Union or Moneygram – these payment methods are prohibited on Trading Post®
Never use live chat to speak with Trading Post® as this is a function we do not currently have - contact us directly via email or phone (online support form +phone number)
Look out for deals that seem too good to be true. If they seem to good to be true, they often are

If you wish to report an item or you require advice, you can email the Trading Post® Trust & Safety team at investigations@tradingpost.com.au

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SCAM UPDATE