2023-07-08 10:43:10
In today’s digital world, social networks are not only a virtual meeting place to connect and share, but are now the venue for business transactions.
However, along with the many advantages that these platforms offer, there are also significant risks in trading online. One of the hotspots is the Facebook Marketplace, a popular tool for buying and selling products between users.
Unfortunately, this platform lacks effective anti-fraud regulation, forcing users to take extra measures and precautions to avoid falling for scams.
The Police Directorate of Investigations (DPI) has registered an alarming increase in complaints of scams related to online purchases, with an average of 1 to 2 cases reported daily.
Until last June there were at least 317 complaints, but the most worrying thing is that most of the victims were young people between 18 and 20 years of age. This demographic, lacking experience in online transactions, makes them an easy target for scammers.
Among the products most associated with these scams are mobile phones such as iPhones and the PlayStation video game console. Victims are deceived with tempting offers, but the products never reach their hands, or worse, scammers block buyers after receiving payment.
The victims are left without money and, worse still, without any resources to recover or receive the purchased item.
Caution
It’s critical that Facebook Marketplace users exercise extra caution and make sure to thoroughly research sellers before making any purchases.
Lucía Rodríguez, an agent with the Special Crimes Unit at the DPI, warns against the use of false identities by fraudsters. Criminals use stolen documents to create false profiles and collect fraudulent payments.
To have later support in the event that your name is supplanted to commit a scam, Rodríguez recommends filing complaints for theft of personal documentation.
It also advises Hondurans to avoid using outlets like Facebook to make purchases, or at least exercise extreme caution if they decide to do so.
” “There are people who have not fallen after publishing my complaint, at least 30 people.” ”
Ángel Medina, victim of identity theft
He recommends, for example, making sure that there is a face-to-face meeting between the buyer and the seller at the time of closing a deal, with the aim of paying upon receipt of the product.
The case of sports journalist Ángel Medina highlights the seriousness of these scams. Medina was surprised when a friend notified him that they were using his identity to scam through the sale of a PlayStation 5 (PS5).
To his astonishment, he discovered that he was being denounced on social networks without knowing what was happening.
According to Medina, “about ten people had been scammed with my identity, and I didn’t even realize it. These identities were falsified during the pandemic, when we were sending information through all the applications. So, in more than one, someone downloaded all our information, ”she mentions.
Medina advises users to carefully check that the name of the person selling matches the legitimate owner of the account.
In his case, although he reported the incident to the DPI, no legal action could be taken because the money never reached one of his bank accounts.
Other scams
In addition to scams in the sale of physical products, there are also risks associated with the resale of digital products, such as tickets and subscriptions to video games.
Some scammers fraudulently replicate QR codes, allowing multiple sales of the same virtual product. Users should be cautious and thoroughly verify seller information before any transaction.
Although the DPI does not have information indicating that these scams are being managed by organized criminal structures, they have managed to identify and refer individual cases to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
As part of prevention, it is advisable to verify the identity of the seller, avoid sharing sensitive personal information and report any suspicion of fraud.
keys
1. Strengthening online security: To combat digital scams, it is essential to strengthen online security at all levels. Companies and technology platforms must implement security measures by using strong passwords and regularly updating their devices.
2. Collaboration between users, authorities and companies: the fight against digital fraud requires active collaboration between users, authorities and companies. Users should report any suspicious activity and share information about scams to help others avoid falling for it.
3. Education and awareness: Education is a powerful tool in the fight against digital scams. Users should receive adequate training on online security best practices, including how to identify and prevent phishing and account theft.
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