Online scammers are becoming more sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting sellers on online marketplaces, such as Sbazar.cz. In some cases, scammers can respond to an advertisement in less than a minute, making it difficult for sellers to spot and avoid the scams. They can use electronic watchdogs or chatbots that hold human-like conversations with the targets. As chatbots become more advanced, detecting fraud is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, it is crucial for sellers to be aware of the risks and take measures to protect themselves from online fraud.

The scammers’ approach has become more advanced and is constantly evolving. In the past, scams were often written in broken Czech, but today, many use flawless language. The scammers’ endgame is to lure the seller into revealing their payment card details and confirming the transaction through a fake link to a payment service or courier company. They then drain the seller’s bank account, leaving the seller with a significant financial loss.

Scammers do not limit their operations to online marketplaces only. Online banking scams are also on the rise. Phishing emails that appear to be from banks are used to trick people into revealing their login details. Once the fraudsters have these details, they can access the victims’ bank accounts and steal their money. To stay safe, people must be vigilant when using online services and ensure that the websites they use are legitimate.

Pavel Kolar, the director of industry services at Seznam.cz, advised people to be cautious while using online marketplaces. They must verify the buyer’s identity before exchanging any goods or making any payments. They must avoid revealing their personal details, such as their name and address, to strangers. If a seller suspects a fraudulent transaction, they should immediately contact the online marketplace’s customer support and their bank.

In conclusion, online scams are becoming more sophisticated and advanced, and it is challenging to detect them. People must exercise caution when using online services and avoid revealing their personal and financial details to strangers. They must take measures to protect themselves from fraudulent activities, such as verifying the buyer’s identity and contacting customer support and their bank if they suspect any fraudulent transactions.

Article by Prague Forum