Avoiding Online Scams
We have compiled a quick guide to common classified scams to help you be safe and confident when buying and selling online with eBility.
Classified scams trick buyers and sellers using online classified platforms into thinking they are dealing with a legitimate potential buyer or seller, but they're actually dealing with a scammer. They may also try to impersonate a platform like eBility in order to obtain your personal or financial information.
We will never ask you for your information or credentials
eBility will never send emails to a registered user asking them to re-verify their registration. If you receive communication asking you to provide log-in credentials, financial or personal information, do not respond or click on any links. Do not provide any information like name and date of birth or bank details, even if the message appears to be from us. We will never ask you for this information after the sign-up process. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any concerns or feel you have been contacted by a scammer impersonating us.
Warning signs to look out for
When buying online
- The seller is overseas or unavailable and insists that you deal with a third party, like a shipping company.
- Requests that payment is made through international money transfer services, such as Western Union, via cheque, or direct bank transfers.
- Emails with links to a payment service, especially those that require you to login.
When selling online
- The buyer wants the item without inspecting it.
- The buyer is overseas or in a remote location and wants it shipped to them. Shipping overseas is costly, and it is unlikely to be a genuine request.
- The buyer asks you to pay for shipping, particularly if they ask you to pay by cheque or third-party transfer.
- You receive a cheque for more than the agreed amount. The buyer claims the overpayment was an error and demands the overpaid amount is refunded.
- Do not send items unless you have received payment. If you have accepted a cheque, make sure your bank has cleared the funds before shipping.
General tips for buyers and sellers
- If a deal seems too good to be true, sadly it often is!
- Always exercise caution. If you are concerned that a buyer or seller may not be genuine, do not proceed.
- Always have another person present during item inspections.
- The email address is suspect. Sometimes the emails include well-known company names, but the email provider is a free one, such as Gmail or Outlook; for example: QANTAS_freight @ gmail.com
- If you are unsure that a link in an email is legitimate, do not use it; instead, go directly to the company's official website. For example, if you receive an email from PayPal asking you to log in, never click the embedded link in the email. Instead, type the URL i.e. paypal.com, into your address bar and log in to their main website.
Where to go for help
If you encounter any suspicious or fraudulent activity while using eBility, you can contact us to let us know.
If you think you have fallen for a scam and paid a scammer with a card or shared your bank details or credentials, you should contact your bank or financial institution's fraud team straight away. They will work with you to secure your account or card and may be able to help you recover stolen funds.
You can 'Report a Scam' through Scamwatch.
Scamwatch is operated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It provides information to consumers and small businesses about recognising, avoiding, and reporting scams. Scamwatch gives examples of scams to help you identify if you are being targeted. Reporting known scams helps potential targets and law enforcement to track trends and types of scams as they occur.
If your identity has been stolen
- Call or visit the local police station.
- Call your bank or financial institutions.
- Change your online passwords.
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160
- Apply for a Commonwealth Victim's Certificate. You may need this certificate to re-establish your identity with government agencies or financial institutions. The Attorney-General's Department issues the certificate.
Further reading
