Phishing messages in Questions & Answers
Scammers are leaving phishing messages in Questions & Answers. Find out how to stay safe.
Scammers are leaving phishing messages in the Questions & Answers section. Here's what to do if you spot a suspicious message or link, and how to report it.
How to spot a phishing message
Trade Me will never contact you through Questions & Answers to ask you to complete an action.
A message is likely a scam if it:
- Asks you to take urgent action to confirm a payment, transaction, or sale.
- Requests personal information or contact details, like an email address or phone number.
- Contains strange spelling, poor grammar or emojis.
If you find a suspicious message, do not click the links or reply.
Examples of phishing messages
These messages are fake and don't come from Trade Me. Scammers are always trying new ways to trick you, but they often use similar tactics:
📩 Dear seller, The buyer has confirmed that he wants to complete the transaction through our secure payment system. 🔸 Click on the link below to receive the payment and complete the transaction.:🔗[SCAM LINK] Make sure that you have opened the link on a reliable device, and follow the on-screen instructions carefully. The link is only temporarily active, so we recommend completing the procedure as soon as possible. 💙 With best wishes, Trade.me Support.
Welcome to trade.me! 😊 The good news is that your product has been sold and the payment has been made! ✅ To complete the transfer, we ask you to briefly verify your identity using the identification number below. Click here to complete the sale: [SCAM LINK] Thank you for using it trade.me . Good luck with your next sales! 🙌
hello ! its available? delievery works on you? send me more photos or video on whatsapp [SCAM PHONE NUMBER]
Kia ora! 👋 Someone tried to message you, but it’s hidden until verification. Just flick back your email address in a reply(replace ＠ and . with #, e.g. jack#gmail#com) , and the limits will be gone. Easy as 🙂 Cheers!
Success! A buyer has purchased your item 🚚📦 🎉 You're just one step away from getting paid. Copy and paste the link below to finalize your order and release your earnings: [SCAM LINK]
What to do if you see a phishing message
If you see a suspicious message in Questions & Answers, do not click the links or reply.
If the message is on your own listing:
- Start a chat with Tautoko bot and say 'report a scam'. You'll be escalated straight to the team.
- To start a chat, look for the chat icon in the bottom right corner of this page.
If the message is on another seller's listing:
- Scroll to the bottom of the listing page.
- Select Community watch to report the message to us.
If you've already replied or selected a link
If you have accidentally provided personal information or selected a link: