Tips to avoid fraud when using KSL Classifieds

Making a great deal on KSL Classifieds? Awesome. Getting fleeced by someone? Not so awesome. That’s why we’re constantly working to keep transactions safe. In fact, we rely on you to let us know if something isn’t quite right. To help you detect potential fraud, we’ve put together a checklist of what to look out for, whether you’re buying or selling.

As a seller

You may think you couldn’t be the victim of fraud: You’re the one selling! Unfortunately, there are people who pretend to be interested in your item, when really they’re only interested in taking your money or personal information — or both.

Verify your Profile

Would you feel more comfortable buying and selling online if you knew you were dealing with a real person in your community? Of course you would. That’s why KSL partnered with Stripe to offer Verified Profiles.

To get verified, go to your KSL Profile; you’ll be asked to upload a selfie and identification. After your identity is confirmed, a green check mark will appear next to all of your listings. Upload a Profile picture to boost confidence even more.

Messaging

When you list your item, be sure to choose Messages as your method of communication. This feature keeps your information private — no sharing your personal phone number or email. No more spam texts pretending to be buyers, either. And, if you suspect a dodgy shopper, you can easily report it to our safety team by tapping the blue flag icon in the conversation chain. Or, contact Customer Support at support@ksl.com.

With all communication, pay attention to the way the person responds. If their replies are full of grammatical errors or misused words, it’s reasonable to be suspicious. Also, if they ask you to switch to a personal number instead of Messages, it’s probably safer to move on.

Meet in person

If someone says they want your item but then cannot meet you in person, they may not be a legitimate buyer. Giving excuses, such as being out of the state or country, is a common fraudster tactic. Of course, needing to reschedule a meetup isn’t necessarily a sign of fraud. But if they repeatedly make excuses to cancel, you should be wary. 

Alternate payment methods

Consider it a major red flag if they suggest an unusual payment. Popular scams include:

• Overpaying with a check or money order, then asking for a refund

• Asking for personal details, such as a bank account number

• Telling you to use their preferred — unfamiliar — payment service or a bank transfer

• For a vehicle, suggesting a “favorite” third party service for a history report

• Sending you a login link to a website, including KSL

As a buyer

Is that antique armoire really only $50? While you can definitely find great deals on KSL Classifieds, it’s reasonable to be hesitant when it seems too good to be true. Most sellers are honest, but it’s wise to use a bit of caution.

Communication

We suggest using our easy-to-use Messages feature, which allows you to safely communicate with Marketplace members. If a buyer asks you to use a private number or an email not associated with their listing, be suspicious.

Keep it brief

When the seller responds to a question and you’re thinking “TMI!,” you could be dealing with a scammer. Sellers who tell you all about their mother’s long bout with cancer and how they need to drive her to treatments everyday and also take care of their neighbor’s old dog … well, they probably don’t. No one needs to tell you their life story to sell a couch. Be especially cautious when seller responses are filled with grammatical errors too. 

Offers to ship

A fraudster may offer to ship the item to you — because they’re out of town, etc. — and just need a few personal details to complete the sale. Or they’ll send you too much money to cover shipping costs — you can just refund the extra. Anything that seems a bit fishy probably is. Tap the flag icon on the message and move on. 

Bad photography

Not everyone is a great photographer, but there’s no need to steal images from someone else’s listing. If the picture isn’t an original, you probably aren’t seeing the actual item. If the images are out of focus, extremely poor quality or neglect to give you the entire picture, the seller could be hiding something.

Look at the background, too. Someone selling an adorable puppy playing on a beach lined with palm trees probably isn’t from around here. Remember, KSL Classifieds is a local site and images should reflect that.

Suggests an unknown payment method

PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, cash: There are several common and safe ways you can pay for the great items you find on KSL Classifieds. But if the seller asks for payment before letting you see the item in person, keep your (virtual) wallet closed. You shouldn’t need to pay anything until you actually have what you’re buying. 

Another tactic is to request a down payment to hold the item — right now! — because there’s so much interest. In reality, it’s likely urgent because there is no actual item, but they want your money anyway.

Read more on KSL Classifieds

Find more tips for outsmarting fraudsters on the KSL Classifieds Resource page, including pet scams and ticket resale scams. Recognizing fraud before it happens will save you headaches — and some cash.

Download the KSL Classifieds app today to easily list or buy an item. Be sure to select Messages. Remember to adjust your phone settings to allow notifications, so you’ll know as soon as someone contacts you.