Is Catch a Scam? How to Spot and Avoid Scams on the Platform

Is Catch a Scam? How to Avoid Online Fraud

Catch is a legitimate online marketplace. However, like any online platform, it can be a target for scammers. Understanding common scam tactics is crucial to ensure a safe shopping experience, especially when purchasing high-value items like a Samsung QLED 98-inch TV.

Common Scams to Watch Out For on Catch

• ✓ The Facebook 'Liquidation' Ad Scam: Scammers often create fake 'liquidation' or 'going-out-of-business' sales on social media, advertising products like high-end TVs at unrealistically low prices. These ads lead to fake websites designed to steal your money or personal information. You might receive a counterfeit product or nothing at all.
• ✓ Off-Platform Payment Lures: Be wary of sellers who insist on communicating or arranging payment outside of the Catch platform, often suggesting direct bank transfers or other unverified payment methods. This bypasses Catch's buyer protection and makes it difficult to recover funds if something goes wrong.
• ✓ Marketplace Tech Bait-and-Switch: Scammers may advertise a high-value item like a Samsung QLED TV at an attractive price to lure you in. Once you express interest, they claim the advertised item is unavailable and try to sell you a different, often inferior or more expensive, product.
• ✓ Fake Shipping Surcharge SMS: You might receive a text message claiming to be from a delivery service (like a courier or even Catch Express) stating there's an issue with delivery and asking you to click a link to pay a small fee or update details. This is a phishing attempt to steal your financial information.
• ✓ Account Verification SMS Phish: Scammers may send SMS messages impersonating Catch or a related service, claiming there's an issue with your account or a 'bonus' that needs verification. They'll prompt you to click a link to log in, which leads to a fake site designed to steal your credentials.
• ✓ Stolen Reward Points (Flybuys) Theft: While less directly related to a single TV purchase, be aware that reward points from loyalty programs can be targeted. Scammers may try to trick you into revealing your login details to steal your accumulated points.

Red Flags to Watch For

• ✓ Prices significantly lower than market value.
• ✓ Sellers pressuring immediate payment or off-platform transactions.
• ✓ Poorly constructed websites with spelling errors or generic greetings.
• ✓ Requests for sensitive personal information beyond what's necessary for the transaction.
• ✓ Unsolicited messages with links or urgent calls to action.
• ✓ Seller communication that is vague or evasive about product details.

Protecting Your Purchase

When buying a high-value item like a Samsung QLED 98-inch TV, prioritizing secure payment methods is essential. For peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, consider using Safe Trade Services. For items of this value, the 'Premium Plan' offers robust identity verification, ensuring both buyer and seller are who they claim to be, adding a crucial layer of security to the transaction.

By staying informed about common scams and employing cautious practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud on Catch and other online marketplaces.