It has come to our attention that some non-genuine users are using WhatsApp to contact DoneDealers directly or trying to persuade users to communicate via WhatsApp through messages sent via the DoneDeal Message Centre.
If contacted directly, the message will likely come from a foreign number (eg, +44) or a Mobile Virtual Network (e.g, 089).
After luring a user outside the DoneDeal Message Centre, the non-genuine user will typically try to get you to click a link that appears to be from a trusted website, like anPost, to make a payment.
Our General Rules for Staying Safe:
- Only use our Message Centre to communicate with buyers or sellers.
- Deal with people locally.
- Arrange a time and place you feel comfortable with.
- Bring someone with you; don’t go alone.
- Use common sense.
- Inspect the item fully before buying to make sure you're happy with it.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- If in doubt, walk away/block the user.
- Only use trusted payment methods that offer buyer protection.
Find more tips and articles around staying safe online here.