Avoiding-Scams
Protect yourself against Internet fraud!
The vast majority of ads are posted by honest people and trust. So you can do excellent business. Despite this, it is important to follow a few common-sense rules following to prevent any attempt to scam.
Deal locally, face-to-face —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.
Users rate listers to build trust. Always be careful when engaging in transactions. If you don't trust someone, don't do business with them.
At the bottom of every listing is a "Report" button. Report listings that are suspicious, highly objectionable, or illegal, or that otherwise breach our terms and conditions. We review all reported listings.
Don't transact with anyone unless they're in New Zealand.
Our advice:
- Doing business with people you can meet in person.
- Never send money by Western Union, MoneyGram or other anonymous payment systems.
- Never send money or products abroad.
- Do not accept checks.
- Ask about the person you're dealing with another confirming source name, address and telephone number.
- Keep copies of all correspondence (emails, ads, letters, etc.) and details of the person.
- If a deal seems too good to be true, there is every chance that this is the case. Refrain.
- Do not provide payment to anyone you have not met in person.
- Beware offers involving shipping - deal with locals you can meet in person.
- Never wire funds - anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
- Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a "guarantee".
- Never give out financial info (bank account, IRD, Paypal account, etc).
- Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing "deal" may not exist.
- Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.
Recognize attempted scam
- The majority of scams have one or more of these characteristics:
- The person is abroad or travelling abroad.
- The person refuses to meet you in person.
- Payment is made through Western Union, Money Gram or check.
- The messages are in broken language.
- The texts seem to be copied and pasted.
- The deal seems to be too good to be true.
- Email or text from someone that is not local to your area.
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/common-threats/scams-and-fraud/
https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch/report-a-scam/
https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/email-and-internet-safety/internet-scams-spam-and-fraud
https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Anti-Spam-Online-scams
If you are defrauded by someone you met in person, contact your local police department.
If you suspect that a KiwiAds post may be connected to a scam, please send us the details.
