Avoiding Common Scams

While most users on Aswaq Online are legitimate, scammers occasionally attempt to target our marketplace. Being aware of common scam tactics can help you protect yourself and ensure safe, successful transactions. This guide will help you identify, avoid, and report potential scams.

How to Spot a Scammer

Profile Red Flags

Be cautious of users who:

• Have new accounts with no transaction history
• Lack profile details or have generic information
• Have no verification (unverified email, phone, or ID)
• Use stock photos as profile pictures
• Have inconsistent information between their profile and messages

Communication Warning Signs

Watch for suspicious communication patterns:

• Urgency tactics: Pressuring you to decide quickly
• Taking communication offline: Insisting on moving conversations to WhatsApp or phone immediately
• Poor language skills: Excessive grammar or spelling errors inconsistent with their claimed background
• Overly formal language: Unusually formal terms or excessive politeness
• Template-like messages: Generic messages that could apply to any item
• Avoiding questions: Not directly answering specific questions about the item or transaction

Unusual Transaction Requests

Be wary when someone:

• Offers significantly more than your asking price
• Refuses to meet in person without a convincing reason
• Suggests unusual payment methods outside platform recommendations
• Requests partial payment or deposits before viewing items
• Offers to pay via check or unusual payment services
• Cannot meet or inspect the item themselves and suggests a third party

Common Scam Scenarios

Overpayment Scams

How it works: The scammer sends a fake payment receipt for more than the agreed amount, then asks you to refund the "extra" money.

Warning signs:

• Offer to pay more than the asking price
• Convoluted reasons for overpayment (shipping costs, agent fees, etc.)
• Urgent requests to return the "extra" money via wire transfer or gift cards
• Payment "confirmations" sent via screenshot rather than through the platform

How to protect yourself:

• Never accept payments for more than the agreed price
• Verify that funds have cleared your account before issuing any refunds
• Use platform-supported payment methods only
• Wait several days for checks to fully clear before releasing items

Fake Payment Confirmations

How it works: The scammer sends a fake payment receipt or confirmation email and attempts to collect the item before you discover no payment was actually made.

Warning signs:

• Payment "confirmations" sent via email or screenshot
• Pressure to deliver or release the item immediately
• Payment notifications that look slightly different from official ones
• Urgency to complete the transaction before "banking hours" end

How to protect yourself:

• Verify payments directly through your bank account or payment service
• Never rely solely on emails or screenshots as proof of payment
• Wait for funds to actually appear in your account before releasing items
• For large amounts, wait 2-3 business days to ensure payments can't be reversed

Shipping Scams

How it works: The scammer poses as an out-of-town buyer, sends a fake payment, and asks you to ship the item to them or a "shipping agent."

Warning signs:

• Buyer is "relocating" or "purchasing for a relative" in another country
• Offers to arrange shipping through their own carrier or agent
• Requests to ship before payment clears
• Complicated shipping arrangements involving third parties

How to protect yourself:

• Prefer local, in-person transactions whenever possible
• If shipping, use tracked, insured methods and official carriers only
• Never ship before payment has fully cleared your account
• Be extra cautious with international shipping requests

Fake Escrow Services

How it works: The scammer directs you to a fake escrow website that they control to handle the transaction "securely."

Warning signs:

• Suggestion to use an escrow service you haven't heard of
• Escrow websites with subtle misspellings of legitimate companies
• Recently created escrow websites with limited history
• Escrow services with unusually low fees or simplified processes

How to protect yourself:

• Only use established, reputable escrow services
• Verify the legitimacy of any escrow service independently
• Type the URL directly rather than clicking provided links
• Check how long the escrow website has been operating

Rental Property Scams

How it works: Scammers list properties they don't own, collect deposits or first month's rent, and disappear.

Warning signs:

• Prices significantly below market value
• Inability to arrange in-person viewings
• Requests for deposits before viewing the property
• Excuses about being out of the country or unavailable to meet
• Pressure to make quick decisions due to "other interested parties"

How to protect yourself:

• Always view properties in person before paying
• Research normal rental prices in the area
• Verify the identity of the landlord/agent with proper documentation
• Check property records if possible
• Never wire money for properties you haven't seen

Switch and Bait Tactics

How it works: The seller advertises one item but shows up with a different, usually inferior, version at the meeting.

Warning signs:

• Vague descriptions or limited photos in the listing
• Unwillingness to provide more specific details when asked
• Meeting locations that make thorough inspection difficult
• Explanations that the item is "almost identical" to what was advertised

How to protect yourself:

• Request detailed photos before meeting
• Ask for serial numbers or specific identifying details
• Meet in locations with good lighting and enough time for inspection
• Be willing to walk away if the item doesn't match the listing

Category-Specific Scams

Vehicle Scams

• VIN switching: Check that the VIN matches all documentation
• Odometer fraud: Look for inconsistencies in service records
• Undisclosed damage: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly or have a mechanic check it
• Title washing: Verify clean title with official documentation
• Escrow fraud: Use only official RTA procedures for vehicle transfers

Electronics Scams

• Counterfeit products: Verify serial numbers with manufacturers
• Broken electronics: Test all functions before payment
• Box of bricks: Always check inside sealed boxes before paying
• Refurbished sold as new: Look for signs of prior use or repair
• Stolen devices: Check if devices are locked to other accounts

Designer Items Scams

• Counterfeit luxury goods: Learn authentication markers for specific brands
• Authentic photos, fake delivery: Inspect items thoroughly before payment
• Switched tags/labels: Check that brand labels are authentic and properly attached
• Grey market goods: Research proper packaging and documentation for authentic items

Safe Payment Practices

Recommended Payment Methods

In order of safety:

1. Cash (for in-person transactions)
2. Bank transfers (when conducted at the bank in person)
3. Platform-supported payment systems
4. Mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.)

Payment Methods to Avoid

Be extremely cautious with:

• Wire transfers to people you don't know
• Money orders or cashier's checks
• Gift cards or prepaid debit cards
• Cryptocurrency for standard transactions
• Checks from unknown individuals

Payment Verification

Always verify payment before releasing items:

• Cash: Count in person, check for counterfeit notes
• Bank transfers: Confirm funds in your account, not just a notification
• Payment apps: Ensure payment is "completed," not just "pending"
• Checks: Wait for full clearance (can take 5-7 business days)

Digital Security Best Practices

Protect your personal and financial information:

• Use the platform messaging system as long as possible
• Don't share personal financial details such as bank account numbers
• Create strong, unique passwords for your Aswaq account
• Enable two-factor authentication on your account
• Be cautious with personal data shared in listings and messages
• Use a separate email address for marketplace activities
• Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

If You Suspect a Scam

Take these steps immediately:

1. Stop communication with the suspected scammer
2. Don't send money or release items
3. Document all interactions (save messages, emails, and screenshots)
4. Report the user through Aswaq Online's reporting system
5. Contact customer support with details of the situation

If You've Been Scammed

Act quickly to minimize damage:

1. Contact your bank or payment service to try to stop payments
2. File a police report with local authorities
3. Report the scam to Aswaq Online with all relevant details
4. Gather evidence including messages, receipts, and transaction details
5. Report to UAE Consumer Protection if appropriate

Educational Resources

Stay informed about the latest scams:

• Aswaq Online's Security Blog: Regular updates on new scam tactics
• UAE Cyber Security Council: Official warnings and advisories
• Consumer Protection Department: Resources for UAE residents
• Banks' Security Advisories: Financial institution warnings about current scams

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are payment protection services or escrow recommended?
A: Only use established, verified escrow services. Be extremely cautious of any escrow service suggested by the other party.

Q: What if someone asks to use Western Union or money transfer services?
A: This is almost always a red flag for scams. Decline and suggest safer payment alternatives or cancel the transaction.

Q: How can I verify if an electronic item is stolen?
A: Check if devices are activation-locked, ask for original receipts, and verify serial numbers with manufacturers.

Q: What information is safe to share with buyers/sellers?
A: Limit shared information to what's necessary for the transaction. Use the platform's messaging system when possible and only share your phone number with verified users when necessary.

Q: Is it safe to accept international payments?
A: Be extremely cautious with international payments as they have higher fraud rates and less recourse if problems arise.

Q: How quickly should I report a suspected scam?
A: Report immediately. Quick reporting helps protect others and increases the chances of recovering funds if you've been scammed.

Need More Help?

If you suspect you're dealing with a scammer or have questions about a transaction, please contact our support team or visit our Help Center for immediate assistance.