{
  "id": 7769739,
  "title": "Im Zweifel Abbruch: 5 Tipps gegen Betrug: So wird aus Kleinanzeigen kein Fiasko",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/im-zweifel-abbruch-5-tipps-gegen-betrug-so-wird-aus-kleinanzeigen",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T10:40:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/it-internet/im-zweifel-abbruch-5-tipps-gegen-betrug-so-wird-aus-kleinanzeigen-kein-fiasko/100255014.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In the event of doubt, there are five tips to avoid scams when using classified ads. Many consumers buy and sell used items on these platforms, but scammers can still appear. The consumer center and Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police warn of this risk. By following a few basic rules, the risk of falling victim to fraud can be significantly reduced. Here are five tips for buyers:\n\n1. Never give in to pressure. Always communicate only through the chat of the respective platform and never switch to instant messaging, messenger, or email communication. Do not give in to links or QR codes that supposedly confirm payment or are related to failed payment - they lead to dangerous phishing pages.\n\n2. Pay securely through the platform. If available, check the platform's own payment function. It may cost a small fee, but it offers secure, trustee-based processing.\n\n3. Pay securely with other services. Payment services can be used safely if they offer buyer protection and it actually works. For example, PayPal allows payments to be secured - but only if the \"Goods and Services\" option is selected for purchases. \"Friends and Family\" does not provide buyer protection.\n\n4. Stay away from ID photos. Some scammers try to gain trust by sending copies of ID documents to interested buyers. However, such a copy does not prove that the person is actually behind the offer. It may come from identity theft and be misused. On the other hand, one should not send ID copies either. Otherwise, scammers might show a picture of your ID at the next opportunity.\n\n5. Maintain healthy skepticism. Buyers should take the time to critically scrutinize and question offers. After all, it's certain: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. And if the seller creates a sense of urgency or suggests unusual payment methods, it's best to stop immediately. If things have gone too far and money has been lost or data has fallen into the wrong hands, act quickly. Save screenshots of the ad, chats, emails, and transactions as evidence. Contact the bank or payment service provider and try to reverse the payment. Change passwords immediately if they have been disclosed. Report the incident to the police, which can also be done online through the Online Watch of the respective federal state (\"Portal.onlinewache.police.de\"). Inform the classified ads platform and report the fraudulent profile.",
  "summary": "Kleinanzeigen sind beliebt, aber nicht ohne Risiko. Mit diesen fünf Käufer-Tipps von Polizei und Verbraucherschützern schlagen Sie Betrügern in den meisten Fällen die Tür vor der Nase zu.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}