Chekka Blog
Notes on online scams, what to look out for, and how to check before you act.
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How to check how old a website is before you buy from it
A website created last week selling thousands of dollars of stock is a warning sign. Here is how to check a website's age for free in about two minutes, and what the result does and does not tell you.
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"Buy direct from our website": the marketplace listing scam hiding in plain sight
Some scam listings never ask you to pay on the marketplace at all. They send you to a website instead. Here is how to spot a buy-direct listing scam, including the odd formatting tricks used to hide the link.
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Fake payment links: how to spot a dodgy payment page before you enter your details
A link to 'accept the payment' or 'confirm delivery' is one of the most common ways a marketplace deal turns into a loss. Here is how fake payment links work, and how to read one before you click or type a single detail.
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Secondhand electronics scams: how to check a used phone or laptop before you pay
Used phones, laptops and consoles are some of the most scammed items on any marketplace. Here is what actually goes wrong, and the checks that separate a real bargain from a locked, blacklisted or non-existent one.
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Secondhand electronics scams: what to check before you pay
Phones, laptops and consoles are the most scammed categories on Australian marketplaces. Here's what to verify before handing over money.
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Six pressure tactics scammers use on marketplaces — and what to say back
Most marketplace scams rely on making you feel rushed, guilty or special. Once you can name the tactic, the pressure loses most of its power.
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"Can you PayID it?" Why instant bank transfers are the riskiest way to pay a stranger
Instant payment systems are fast, free and convenient. They are also one of the easiest ways to lose money to a marketplace scam. Here is why the payment method itself is part of the risk.
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The five scam patterns behind most marketplace fraud
Most marketplace scams follow the same few patterns. Once you can name them, they become much easier to spot.
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Welcome to the Chekka blog
We're building Chekka to help everyday people spot online scam risk before they act. Here's what to expect from this blog.