Impersonation scams
Scammers use stolen credit card details to make a purchase on Trade Me then call you to try to verify the payment.
Scammers use stolen credit card details to make a purchase and pretend to be your bank or Trade Me to get a Ping verification code.
How this impersonation scam works
- A scammer gets access to your credit card information through physical theft or a data breach.
- They make a purchase on Trade Me using your stolen card details.
- To complete the purchase, they need to verify their Ping payment using a code sent to your bank statement.
- The scammer calls you directly, pretending to be your bank or from Trade Me, and asks for the code.
- If you give them the verification code, they can complete the purchase and steal your money.
Warning signs of an impersonation scam
- Someone calls you and asks for a payment verification code, password or PIN. They might claim to be from an organisation you trust, like the police, your bank or Trade Me.
- You spot suspicious transactions on your bank statement that you don't recognise.
Stay safe from impersonation scams
- Do not share payment verification codes, passwords or PINs with anyone who calls.
- Check if the call is real. Hang up and call the company back using a phone number from their official website.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). Always read a MFA text or notification carefully before approving it.
If you're worried someone might be using your stolen credit card details on Trade Me:
1. Contact your bank to block your credit cards. They can help you reverse the transactions.
2. Report the activity to us by Contacting our Support team.
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