Caution Urged for Australians Using Facebook Marketplace
Australians are being warned to tread carefully when shopping on Facebook Marketplace, as the platform has become a hub for scammers. A recent case in Victoria emphasises the need for vigilance; a buyer became suspicious of an offer for an iPhone 16 Pro when the seller provided a receipt claiming to be from an Apple store in Queensland.
While the document seemed credible at first glance, a closer examination revealed several discrepancies. The receipt indicated the phone was purchased for $2,849 with accompanying serial and IMEI numbers. However, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) charge of $327.80 raised eyebrows, considering the phone’s recommended retail price (RRP) was listed as $2,521.50. This discrepancy highlighted that GST, typically set at 10%, should have totalled around $252.15 instead.
Another notable flaw was the wording on the receipt, which incorrectly stated "Paid Visa commonwealth banking" instead of correctly labelling it as Commonwealth Bank. Authentic Apple receipts usually only indicate the payment type without disclosing specific card details.
Seeking advice from the online community, the potential buyer shared the receipt on social media, resulting in a unanimous warning against the purchase. One individual advised, “Don’t buy an iPhone off Marketplace! Especially if they tell you it’s sealed or they provide a receipt! 9/10 times, it is a fake.” Another commenter pointed out the absence of an Australian Business Number (ABN) on the receipt and other discrepancies compared to their own valid receipts.
Shifting foundations of technology are also facilitating such fraud, as AI platforms like ChatGPT now have the capability to create highly convincing fake receipts. Earlier this year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) raised concerns that such technology could overwhelm them with fraudulent tax submissions. However, ATO representatives assured the public that robust systems are in place to combat these fraudulent activities.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has acknowledged a surge in scams targeting both buyers and sellers. They emphasised the importance of knowing how to spot scams when engaging in transactions on their platform. Recommendations included employing trusted payment methods, verifying that items are genuine before payment, and refraining from pre-payments.
Common Scams to Watch For:
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Fake Payment Screenshots: Beware of buyers sending screenshots claiming they have paid.
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Overpayment Refund Requests: Scammers might claim they overpaid and request refunds.
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Price Manipulation: Offers to pay more than the asking price to facilitate a scam, using claims of needing funds for delivery.
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Refunds Requested Without Payment: Avoid issuing refunds until payment verification.
- Unusual Payment Methods: Requests to pay with gift cards should raise immediate suspicion.
Individuals are also advised not to divulge personal or sensitive account information and to remain cautious of deals that appear too good to be true. Significantly lower prices than market rates can often be a lure for scams.
In summary, while online marketplaces can offer good deals, potential buyers must remain vigilant and discerning to avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities. Use trusted platforms and always verify purchases before completing transactions.
