Scam with luxury watches
Trust service for the purchase of watches not always safe
Watch purchase via Internet is not without risks. This is why many customers use a trust service when purchasing brand name watches and luxury watches. The money is first transferred to a trust account, and forwarded to the seller only after receipt of the watch. This way the customer receives the watch and the seller has security of payment.
But pay attention! Especially in recent times, scams with trust services have been reported. Many scammers work with forged Internet pages of non-existent trust services. In many scamming cases the trust service is unknown to the customer, as it is usually chosen by the seller, by the scammer. The problem, the trust service does not exist, even though a professionally designed homepage falsely conveys seriousness and safety. But it was simply forged by the scammer. The account that is allegedly from the trust service is that of the seller. He only waits for the payment entry, cashes in, and disappears.
Therefore, do not blindly trust trust services. As customer, choose the trust service yourself, even if the seller – what many say -already has credit at his service. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) thus recommends only using generally recognized and familiar services. If the seller does not agree to a trust service, you should refrain from buying the item. Another tip: If you fell for a scammer, press charges immediately!
Do not pay for watches with Western Union!
Another important notice. Many watch purchasers that became victims of a scam issued payment over the Western Union. Western Union is a fast, worldwide cash transfer. It is ideal for supplying family members or good friends with fast financial help in case of need when they are abroad. However, we urgently recommend you do not use Western Union to transfer money to unknown receivers. After the money has been paid, the traces are lost. Chances of finding the scammers are close to zero.
Reisebank and Western Union also indicate on their website that information that Western Union is a trust service is simply wrong.