Bike Sales Scams
What is a Scam?

It is difficult to define a "scam" as scammers are often sophisticated criminals, who invent new scams frequently.

It is important to note that the examples below are not exhaustive. Scammers invent new scams all the time. You should protect yourself by educating yourself on how to recognise, report and protect yourself from scams. Visit www.scamwatch.gov.au for more information.

An example of a common scam is "Phishing". Phishing scams include an attempt to criminally acquire sensitive information, such as usernames or passwords.

* For example, you receive a fake email claiming to be from our Support Team asking you to click on a link to 'confirm your username and password'. We do not keep a record of your password and will never email or SMS you to ask for it. If you forget your password and are not sure what to do, contact us & we will let you know how you can re-set your password

* Another example could be an apparently legitimate email enquiry in relation to an item for sale from a 'buyer'. The email will ask you to click a link to view the item you have listed for sale, to confirm the item they are interested in is yours. On clicking the link you are sent to a fake web page that looks like a legitimate page. This page then prompts you to login using your login and password details. This email is not legitimate and is from a scammer.

* The buyer cannot be contacted by phone and wants to pay, usually via PayPal or a similar service. They then wish to arrange for a third party to pick up the item. They then state that they never received the item and reverse the payment. Or they may offer to put the payment into your account and then say that they have added a further eg $5000 to cover shipping, which they ask you to transfer to the shipping company.


Phishing

Phishing is a type of fraud, whereby a scammer attempts to deceive you into giving away financial account numbers, passwords and other valuable private information.

They send a hoax email pretending to be from a legitimate company and request you to click on a link. This will either install malicious software onto your computer or direct you to a false website, where you are asked to provide valuable private information. These details are then collected and fraudulently used.

If you have any doubts as to the legitimacy of an email always call the organization directly and verify that it is from them! Protect yourself by adhering to the following guidelines:

* Only open email attachments and links if you’re expecting them and know what they contain
* When responding to emails, never provide login details or personal information
* When accessing websites that require you to provide critical information, always type the regular URL into a fresh web browser (or use your favourites menu)
* Never enter personal information in a pop-up screen (phishers also use unauthorized pop-up screens to collect private details)
* Know that phishing can happen on the phone
* Protect your computer with spam filters, and up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware software
* Act immediately if you’ve been scammed and notify the organisation that has been fraudulently misrepresented

Report a Scam

If you think you have seen a scam or have been scammed by a buyer or seller you can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission:

* by phone on 1300 302 502; or
* by an online report by following the links on www.scamwatch.gov.au

They can direct you to the best government agency depending on where you live and the type of scam.

You should also report the matter to our Support
(07) 5529 7336
(07) 5573 6101
0418 75 82 77
0433 09 11 99
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am - 7.00 pm or email us directly. You should always use this phone number or email, rather than any phone number or email that appeared in any suspected scam email you have received.

You should also contact the police if you have had your money or property stolen or been threatened or assaulted by a buyer or seller.

Learn More about How to Protect Yourself Online

To keep up to date with the latest scams and what you can do to protect yourself visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

by MC Sales - 13/12/2009

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Source: Bike Sales Scams - What is a scam