Although Wallapop has become one of the platforms most used by users to sell and buy all kinds of products, the truth is that it hides a world full of scams and scams. Furthermore, over time, cybercriminals have been using a large number of strategies to deceive users. One of the most used lately has been through SMS and emails. In these they manage to impersonate the identity of the well-known application.
On this occasion, we are going to see the latest scam attempt by fake buyers who ask us for a phone number or email to complete the purchase. In this way, they manage to send us a false message with a link that will take us to another website so that we can enter our data and they can steal us. So let’s see how it works to avoid this Wallapop scam.
Fake Wallapop SMS or Email
At Wallapop we come across all kinds of scams, whether we are buyers or sellers. For this reason, you have to be very careful not to fall into the trap of cybercriminals. One of the methods that is being used the most in recent times is the false buyer who wants to complete the purchase.
At first glance, it seems that he is a normal user, we will even find complete profiles that do not look like cybercriminals at all, since they have positive opinions. However, the strange thing here is that they ask us for a phone number or email. To do this, they make the excuse that one of these two pieces of information is necessary so that they can supposedly buy the product we sell. But really, they just want us to fall into their trap. For example, in the following image we can see the strategy they follow:
At the moment of providing the mobile number or an email, we will miss a text message or email with which they impersonate the identity of Wallapop. In it, we will find a link that will take us to a fake web page that will ask us for our bank details. Therefore, if we introduce them, we will not receive the money, but they will end up stealing from us. So, in those cases, if you come across this type of user, you shouldn’t fall for it. It is best to report the user and block him.
How to avoid this scam
There are many who ask us for a phone number to talk in other ways such as WhatsApp. However, at no time should you fall into these types of traps. Purchases can be made perfectly through the platform, and safely. Here the important thing is not to click on any link. And if you receive any email or SMS from Wallapop that asks us to access a link to finalize the purchase or sale of a product, it is best to delete it immediately. More than anything, because it is a scam.
In addition, in the Wallapop instructions they make the following very clear: «We will never ask you to exit the application to make a payment or share personal data. If another user sends you an email, a link or a phone number to make a shipment (or a payment) report it in the chat«. Therefore, in any case, the ideal is that we carry out the transactions through the platform itself or in person. This way we will prevent them from trying to scam us.
