Scams on Le Boncoin: How to spot the traps and protect your purchases?
Le Bon Coin Le Bon Coin is one of the most popular classified ad sites in France, with millions of transactions carried out every year. Unfortunately, however, it is also the target of numerous scams. Scams on leboncoin affect both buyers and sellers, and can take many different forms: fake buyers, fake ads, identity theft, and so on. Here's a guide to help you spot the most common Bon Coin scams and secure your transactions. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
1. Les arnaques les plus fréquentes sur le Bon Coin
There are many scams on Le Bon Coin, and it's essential to know how to recognize them if you don't want to fall victim. Here are some of the most common:
- False ads: A product is offered at a very attractive price, often well below its real value. The scammer tries to convince the buyer to pay by bank transfer or make a deposit before even seeing the product.
- Fake buyers: In this scam, a supposed buyer claims to be interested in your product, but asks for personal information or a bank account number under the pretext of making a bank transfer. Once this information has been obtained, the scammer can use your data fraudulently.
- Payment by forged cheque: In some cases, the buyer sends a check for an amount greater than the selling price, then requests a refund of the difference, claiming an error. The cheque is eventually rejected, and the seller loses out.
- Confirmation code scam: The fake buyer asks the seller for a code received by SMS to “verify the ad”. In reality, this code is used to validate a fraudulent transaction, such as a request for telephone credit.
Also read : Airbnb Scam: How to Avoid the Pitfalls and Protect Your Vacation
2. How to spot a scam on Bon Coin?
To avoid pitfalls on LeBonCoin, it's important to know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent ad or dubious buyer.
Clues to a scam:
- Price too attractive: If the price is well below market value, it could be a scam. An expensive product sold at a ridiculously low price should alert you.
- Requesting payment in advance: Scammers often insist on payment in advance. Avoid bank transfers or cash orders until you've seen the product.
- Suspicious user profile: A recent account with no profile picture or ad history may conceal a fraud attempt.
- Automated messages: Beware of generic or automated messages that are often poorly written and don't mention your product specifically. These are often automated responses used by scammers.
- Confirmation code request: There's no need for a buyer to ask for a confirmation code to check an ad; this type of request is a clear sign of scamming.
3. Best practices for avoiding leboncoin scams
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam on LeBonCoin :
- Prefer face-to-face meetings: If possible, meet the buyer or seller in person to view the product and exchange payment on the spot. Public places are recommended for greater safety.
- Only use secure payment methods: Avoid cash orders or foreign transfers. Use traceable payment methods such as PayPal (with buyer protection) or the secure payments offered by LeBonCoin.
- Don't share sensitive information: Never give your bank details, credit card number or any other personal information to a potential buyer or seller.
- Check the phone number: If you receive a text message or call from a potential buyer, check that the phone number is located in France.
- Beware of external links: Don't click on links sent by strangers. Links can redirect you to fraudulent sites or phishing pages.
4. What to do if you fall victim to a scam on leboncoin?
Despite all precautions, it's possible to fall victim to a scam. In this case, here are the steps to take:
- Report the ad: Le Bon Coin has an ad reporting system. By reporting a fraudulent ad, you help protect other users.
- Contact customer service on LeBonCoin : Inform leBonCoin of the scam. They can block the scammer's account and improve the platform's security.
- File a complaint: Go to a police or gendarmerie station to file a complaint. The more complaints there are, the more authorities will be able to fight this type of scam.
- Contact your bank: If you've shared bank details or made a transfer, contact your bank immediately to try and block the transaction.
- Use the website cybermalveillance.gouv.fr : This French website offers information and help for victims of cyberbullying and can guide you through the process..
Scams on LeBonCoin are unfortunately commonplace, but by taking certain precautions, you can avoid falling into these traps. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is! Stay vigilant, follow the safety tips, and don't hesitate to report any suspicious activity. With caution, you can continue to take advantage of online buying and selling opportunities in complete safety.
FAQ - Scamming on LeBoncoin: How to spot the traps?
The most common scams include :
- False payments: the buyer claims to have made a bank transfer, but the money never arrives.
- Fraudulent ads: the item does not exist or is different from the description.
- Identity theft: fraudsters pretend to be other users.
- Phishing: messages inviting you to click on links to steal your personal or banking data.
Here are a few warning signs: :
- The price is too low for the market.
- The photos seem to come from the Internet or catalogs.
- The seller refuses to meet in person or insists on remote payment.
- The description is vague or contains numerous errors.
Never accept payment outside of secure channels. Choose to pay in person or via official Le Boncoin solutions, such as the platform's secure payment system.
Don't share your bank details or identity card. Never click on suspicious links sent by buyers or sellers. Use a pseudonym rather than your real name in ads.
Report the ad directly to Le Boncoin using the button provided. Keep all evidence: screenshots, messages exchanged, etc. Contact your bank if a fraudulent payment has been made. And lodge a complaint with the appropriate authorities (police station, gendarmerie).
Reviews can be useful, but they are not a 100% guarantee of a user's reliability. Pay close attention to their content, and cross-reference them with other signs to assess your interlocutor's credibility.