Web portals for buying and selling products

How to prevent purchases that could cost you a lot

Online shopping platforms offer great advantages to users, but they also provide an opportunity for cybercriminals. They can take advantage of your trust to collect payment for a product they will never send or, conversely, receive an item without paying for it.

Sites like Milanuncios, eBay and Wallapop make it easy to buy and sell products, but their wide acceptance also draws in scammers. That's why it's essential to use prevention strategies to avoid fraud and protect your money.

Tips for unmasking a scammer

Don't trust offers too good to be true

Excessively low prices are usually a lure to deceive. Before buying, check them against market prices.

Review the profile of the seller or buyer

Scammers usually have profiles with little information and no real photos or confirmed data. If the account was recently created, that's also a red flag.

If you detect suspicious behaviour, stop

Look over the comments

If the user has no ratings, or they're negative, be very careful.

Look over the listing carefully

Scammers often use false images. If in doubt, ask for additional photos with authenticity markers.

Use secure payment methods

Choose systems with guarantees, such as PayPal, cash on delivery, or the secure methods offered by the platform itself.

Watch out for suspicious excuses

If you're asked to switch communication channels or make advance payments, that's a clear warning sign.

Report suspicious listings

If you think a listing is fraudulent, report it to the platform to prevent others from becoming victims.

The best defence against online scams: staying alert

Buying and selling online is fast and convenient, but it can also be a breeding ground for scammers.
Stay alert, review every detail without rushing and use common sense to minimise risks.

Do you think you may have been a victim of a scam?

Scams are often disguised as emergencies or threats. Be especially wary of any urgent requests for details or payments.

Keep calm, use your common sense, and if you think you might be a victim of fraud, get in touch with CaixaBank immediately through the official channels: Wall or by calling 938 87 25 25.

The lie of online shopping