Zalando scam causes uncertainty
Fraud is still a problem on the Internet – as the recent case of the second-hand platform Vinted shows. As reported by Utopia.de, fraudulent dealers lured their victims with the so-called Zalando scam. The dealers offer unused branded products from various manufacturers at lower prices on Vinted – and at the same time create a new account with Zalando in the background and without their knowledge in the name of the buyer. For the buyers there is initially no reason to doubt the seriousness of the offer, since the sellers themselves suggest that the trade be processed via the buyer protection service, which is subject to a fee. The buyer’s money is first transferred to a trust account. If the goods ordered are defective or do not arrive at all, buyers have the option of complaining and getting their money back.
Stolen data is used on other shops
The customers receive the goods they have ordered in perfect condition, but packed in a Zalando box, together with an invoice issued by Zalando for the original price of the item. As Der Spiegel reports, the Zalando scam works as follows: During the transaction on Vinted, the fraudulent dealers receive the customer’s personal data, such as name, address and email, and use it to register with Zalando or another shop.
The fraudsters use the new account to order the new goods, which then end up with the unsuspecting Vinted users, who are left with the bill. If those affected do not react quickly enough, the money already paid for the goods on Vinted is collected from the fraudsters. The buyer protection system only protects buyers up to two days after receipt of the package. If no complaint is submitted within this period, the order will be considered completed and the money will be forwarded. According to Utopia.de, victims of the Zalando scam have no chance of getting their money back if they have not activated buyer protection.
In addition to Zalando, other retailers are also affected
As Utopia reports, some of the fraudsters have switched to other online shops, such as Douglas, due to the increased reporting on the Zalando scam in recent weeks. According to Utopia, the goods have always been ordered from the retailer or shop that issued the invoice and return slip. This can also be checked via shipment tracking. If Douglas is specified as the sender, then the item is new and did not come from a Vinted seller. Anyone who suspects that they have become a victim of the Zalando scam should inform the affected online shop and Vinted immediately and report it to the police.
According to Spiegel, when Zalando reports misuse of personal data, it deletes the account created by the scammers. As soon as the affected users have returned the package including the return slip free of charge, the invoice will be canceled and possible reminders suspended. Vinted, on the other hand, can only provide help if the transaction went through the buyer protection system and those affected report it in good time.
M. Wieser/editors finanzen.net
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