Social Media Platforms and E-commerce Sites Targeted: Essential Safety Measures to Review
Hey there, fellow online sellers! A fresh warning for you, straight from the folks at Cisco Talos. They're here to remind us that it's not just buyers who fall victim to scams on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Sellers are also a target for cybercriminals.
So, what should you watch out for? High-value items being solicited without actual payment, and busy sellers with high account balances are particularly attractive targets. But you might not notice the danger signals, what with the lure of a sale looming large.
The usual scammers' paradise is rife with credential phishing. They use the platform's messaging feature to directly communicate with you, aiming for your marketplace credentials or financial information. Often, they'll trick you into visiting a phishing website. For instance, you might get a message saying your item has sold, prompting you to complete account verification. If you fall for it, you'd be redirected to a malicious server under the attacker's control.
Scammers also use lures to trick you into bypassing the seller protections provided by the marketplace. They might persuade you to move part of the transaction off the marketplace or use unusual shipping arrangements. These tactics are often backed by social engineering, so ignore all such requests.
Scammers have also been known to direct transactions to payment sites like PayPal, asking you to use the 'friends and family' option. This disables the arm's length fraud protections normally in place.
To stay safe, always use multi-factor authentication, review the photos you post for sensitive details, stick to the platform's standard processes for transactions, validate messages from buyers, and never modify shipping addresses under any pretext.
[1] - As a seller, it's crucial to take notice of these tactics and take proper precautions. Enabling multi-factor authentication, checking buyer profiles, using secure payment methods, and verifying messages are some simple yet effective ways to secure your transactions.
[2] - Stay alert for scams that seek to manipulate you into bypassing the platform's protections. By avoiding off-platform transactions, verifying the authenticity of buyers, and exercising caution while using third-party websites or services, you'll significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to such scams.
[3] - Moreover, enabling multi-factor authentication, carefully reviewing photos, conducting transactions within the platform, and verifying messages can make it difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your personal information or bypass your financial protections.
[4] - It's essential to recognize scams that create a sense of urgency. By taking your time to verify information, avoiding unusual requests, and being cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these tactics.
[5] - Overall, by following these tips and staying informed on common scams, you'll be well-equipped to protect yourself from online scams. Regularly updating your knowledge, meeting in public for in-person transactions, and maintaining detailed records can further bolster your defenses against fraudsters.
[6] - In addition, if you're considering launching your online business on platforms like reverb or auction sites, be mindful of the risks involved. Research the platform's security measures, read user reviews, and consider taking out a credit line to manage your finances securely.
[7] - Furthermore, utilizing various platforms like eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and Reddit for selling online can offer discounts and reach a wider audience, but it's important to remember that every platform brings its own set of risks and regulations. Always keep these precautions in mind to ensure a safe and profitable online selling experience.
