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Dear Freecycle member,
Scammers are again up to their dirty tricks. There are many scams out there that can lead to its victims losing everything - don't fall victim!
If something seems too good to be true, then it generally is. In the case of Freecycle, IF any member requests money for any reason, be it delivery, removal or parking costs etc then it is 100% a scam! Did the member state that they have moved to Scotland but can courier their 2019 Apple Macbook Pro to you? IT'S A SCAM!!
The FREEcycle terms and conditions state that it is against the rules to exchange money for any reason!
There are worse scams going around the internet and via SMS. The main types will be but are definitely not limited to:
- Phishing emails/sms: these messages appear to be from genuine companies (Banks, paypal, Government, Manufacturer, etc) usually with a link with a login page. These pages will collect your username and password, which is then passed on to a scammer. The website might even capture additional information such as bank details etc. Even if the email looks like it is from your boss, colleague or a company you work with. Always treat messages with caution. If in doubt, use google to search for the correct website and log in that way. If you're asked to transfer money for any reason, exercise extreme caution!
- Tech support/refund scams: These are messages seen online, email, sms or you receive a call claiming that you have a virus/your subscription to a product has ended, or that you are due a refund. The scammers will request access to your device, usually via software that they ask you to install. DO NOT EVER ALLOW ANYONE TO CONNECT TO YOUR DEVICE! Reputable organisations would never ever request such access!
- Arrest Warrants: These are scams where you receive a message, sms, email or call, claiming that there is an arrest warrant out for you for some charge. THIS IS A SCAM!! The police do not send emails, sms or call you about arrest warrants. Such warrants are issued to your home address, usually in person if the nature of the crime is serious. Otherwise a letter with official letter heads will be used. If in doubt, call the police via a trusted number. Even if the call appears to come from an official police telephone number, it is very easy for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) software to spoof outgoing numbers.
- Cryptocurrency scams: These scams offer high returns either through trading or they're a Ponzi scheme/Pump and dump.High returns such as >20% is most likely a scam. Even if you are offered a 20% return on investment it is more than likely a scam.
There are other crypto scams such as the 'double your money' scam first seen in the PC game Runescape. A bad actor will buy a compromised youtube account with a lot of followers. They will then setup a live stream showing old footage of a previous live stream featuring wealthy or influential people such as Elon Musk. They will then promote an offer to give you double the crypto you send them. Of course, you will never see you crypto again. This one is easy to check if legitimate. The blockchain by its very nature is in the public domain. So see a blockchain explorer to check the wallet address provided to see what transactions exist.
If in doubt, seek advice from a trusted party. Exercise caution when being asked to pay money for any reason! If someone pressures you into acting quickly, it is a SCAM! Keep safe!
Kind regards,
Freecycle - City of London Moderator.