OLX shows how to protect yourself from the scam of false payment, the main digital crime in online shopping

False payment was the most applied digital crime in Brazil in 2024, responsible for 46% of online shopping fraud and R$ 1.61 billion in losses, according to a market survey conducted by OLX, the largest market of classified used products in the country.

Also known as Approved Purchase scam, it happens when the criminal impersonates a buyer and sends, by email or messaging application, a false proof of deposit, making the victim believe that the amount related to the negotiation was paid. Already with the item in hand, the fraudster stops responding, and as soon as the seller realizes the loss, there is no longer a way to reverse the situation.

“To avoid this type of fraud, we recommend that the item be delivered only after confirmation of the deposit in a bank account or digital wallet.In the case of OLX, we offer the OLX guarantee, 100% online and free service that allows you to carry out the transaction directly through the platform, providing more security to both the buyer and the advertiser.With it, it is possible to sell in installment products, without having to contract delivery service outside the platform, and receive the cash payment within 48 hours, after confirming the delivery”, explains Camila Braga, product manager of the OLX Group.

Watch for the following signs:

• Urgency is a tool widely used by fraudsters, since it requires quick responses, without time for reflection;
• Requesting unnecessary additional information, for example, photos of documents such as RG, CNH, bank details or even the credit card, claiming that it is a site security step;
• Requirement for additional payment, whether for the delivery of the product, for the cancellation of the order or even for the receipt of the amount in the account. This is just another feature to make the scam even more advantageous.

In case of suspected fraud, immediately stop trading and use the reporting channels available on the platforms. Currently, most of them have buttons that can be triggered at any time.In the case of OLX, for example, there are buttons available both in ads and in chat.“Registering suspicious activities collaborates for a more reliable and secure digital environment not only for those who report, but for all users”, reinforces Camila.