Leboncoin Scam: Business Owner Victim of Identity Theft

Leboncoin is the first site to make it easy for private individuals to sell their goods through classified ads on their platform. However, this site lacks supervision and security. It's the perfect place for crooks who want to do just one thing: rip off lots of people and make money. 

A few days ago, one of these scams made itself felt again, and this time it's a company that's paying the price. The head of this company is yet another victim of the famous classified ads site.

Identity theft

Identity theft is when someone pretends to be you without your permission. How does it work? It's very simple: a swindler can use your identity if your identity document is lost or stolen. They can also use the Internet and social networks to obtain documents about you.

Understanding the risks

A fraudster who has assumed your identity can open an account in your name and, for example, write cheques that will be returned unpaid. They can also take out a loan (credit) in your name and not pay it back.

"Le plaisir du camping-car" company in Avignon

This entrepreneur's company fell victim to this scam, and unfortunately his business did not survive. Scammers on the classified ad platform used his name and that of his company to place ads offering vehicles for sale at very low prices. 

A number of buyers fell into the trap and paid the crooks an advance without receiving the vehicle in return. The company director realised that the scam had been perpetrated when all the victims went to the site to collect their motorhome. According to the entrepreneur, a total of 47 people fell victim to this scam and paid 1.2 million euros to the crooks. 

The entrepreneur lost his business as a result of the increasing number of scams on the classified ad platform. It's all the more important to remain vigilant about possible scams and any doubts you may have when an offer interests you. As well as losing their company, business owners feel their name has been tarnished.

Curious to find out more about the latest scam news? Read our articles on credit card scams and Chronopost scams between private individuals.

Transact between private individuals with Obvy

Obvy is a secure payment method specially designed to combat the scams that take shape on classified ad sites. With Obvy, when you make a transaction with a private individual or a professional, the funds are blocked at the time of the transaction and are only paid to the seller when the buyer certifies that the goods received are in conformity, so it's impossible to be scammed. 

Don't wait any longer, create your Obvy account. It only takes 2 minutes to register.