You post an ad to sell a phone, a bike or old furniture. Soon a message arrives: “Is it still available? I'll take it, but I'm out of town — I'll pay now and send a courier.” The buyer doesn't even haggle.
Then they send a link to a “safe deal” or “receive payment” page. It looks like a familiar website and, to “receive the money”, asks for your card number, expiry date, CVV and SMS code. In the end the money doesn't come to you — it leaves your card.
You never need a CVV or an SMS code to receive money. Your card number alone is enough for someone to send you a transfer.
How to protect yourself
- Receiving money never requires a CVV, PIN, SMS code or password — anyone who asks is a scammer.
- Keep the conversation inside the ad site; don't move to another messenger.
- Don't enter card details on “payment pages” sent by a buyer.
- When possible, sell in person with a verified payment method.
- Report a suspicious buyer to the ad site's support team.
Came across scammers?
Tell us — let's protect others.