The term phishing may not mean much to you. However, it is the name by which many of the main scams that are carried out over the Internet are known, whether through email, WhatsApp or, as in this case, Wallapop.
If you are new to the popular second-hand selling app, you better know how it works the scam that cybercriminals use to steal your banking information, and thus know how to avoid it. Cybersecurity experts themselves warn of how sophisticated and credible it is, which is why it is not easy to detect.
The stay by Wallapop for novice users
In general terms, it is more difficult to scam an experienced user through Wallapop (although it is not impossible either). Basically, because they know and have a certain inertia when it comes to knowing how the successful application works; That is, all payments are made through it, without leaving the app at any time. Newbies, however, are more at risk.
The scam that Panda Security experts warn about works very simply. First of all, The scammer notices that you are new, ideally being the first item you put up for sale on Wallapop. Afterwards, he contacts you as if he were just another customer, asking about the item and things like that.
The deception, however, begins when you have to make the payment. That’s when the individual tells you that he cannot carry out the transaction because you have not registered correctly, forgetting to indicate your email. After asking yourself, you receive an email pretending to be from Wallapop, confirming the reservation of the item and urging you to enter a link to finish the process.
This address also sends you to a page that pretends to be official from Wallapop, but which, logically, is not, where asks you to provide a series of personal information, including your bank details. This way the scammer has your card number, expiration date and CVV code. Everything you need to carry out your objective, which is none other than to rob you.
How to avoid scams through Wallapop
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The most important thing to avoid suffering from these scams through Wallapop is to know precisely that: Be wary of anyone who tries to know your email or any operation carried out through it. Of course, always avoid entering suspicious links, even if they seem to lead to a seemingly official page.
Scammers who use so-called phishing always act the same: trying to access your banking information through an application or a known company name (Post Office, Civil Guard, etc.), usurping your identity in almost every possible way.
And remember, above all, that in Wallapop it is more than enough to use only its internal chat to negotiate with clients. If they try to get you out of it, be suspicious. It never hurts.
