Cybersecurity firm ESET warns against online marketplace scams

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, Türkiye — Cybersecurity firm ESET has reported an increase in sophisticated marketplace scams targeting consumers through fake buyer and seller profiles on various digital shopping platforms.

As digitalization reshapes shopping habits, millions of users are connecting via online marketplaces for everything from second-hand goods to new products. However, experts warn that the rapid growth of these platforms also provides new opportunities for cybercriminals, as not every account belongs to a genuine user.

The evolution of digital fraud

Fraudulent methods have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers now tracking digital footprints left on social media and other online environments. Criminals often use seemingly harmless information to gain trust or create high-pressure situations that force users to make quick, poorly considered decisions. Many profiles are created specifically to lure victims into traps rather than to conduct legitimate business. ESET emphasizes the importance of evaluating a situation calmly before proceeding with any transaction.

Red flags for marketplace users

To help consumers navigate these platforms safely, ESET identified several warning signs that may indicate a potential scam:

• Deals that seem too good to be true: These are frequently posted by fraudulent sellers demanding deposits or buyers attempting to move the transaction outside the official platform.

  
  

• New profiles with no history: While not every new account is a scammer, users should exercise extreme caution when dealing with buyers or sellers who have no track record.

• Requests for verification codes: A major warning sign is when a party asks for a verification code, which is typically used to gain unauthorized access to the user's account.

• Suspicious links: Users should remain vigilant against messages containing links for "verification" or similar purposes.

Identifying suspicious seller behavior

Beyond technical red flags, behavioral patterns can also signal a scam. Fraudulent sellers often create a false sense of urgency to force a deposit for a product that does not exist. Emotional manipulation is another common tactic, such as claiming they cannot meet in person due to a family emergency. Furthermore, the use of stock photos instead of original images taken by the seller often indicates that they do not actually possess the item.

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