Online Marketplace Scams: What Ohio Consumers Can Do When A Deal Goes Wrong

Sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and various others have streamlined the process of purchasing and reselling items through an easy online portal. From home goods and electronics to vehicles and collectible items, users are able to purchase products from local sellers. However, while the ease of use has helped drive growth, it has also led to increased incidents of fraud. When an individual believes their experience at an online marketplace is a scam, Ohio consumers often believe there is nothing they can do. 

Common online marketplace scams 

Generally speaking, there are various types of scams that can occur in online marketplaces; however, some scams are more popular than others.

One scam that repeatedly occurs is fraud by nonexistent products or services. Fraudsters advertise nonexistent items on the site and trick people into paying for an item that does not even exist. This is usually achieved through the use of digital transfer services, such as Venmo and Cash App, where the victim is compelled to send money. As soon as the payment is received, the seller stops responding.

Scams related to counterfeit products or misrepresented goods are also quite common. For example, a consumer may be tricked into buying counterfeit products or products with altered descriptions.

Car sales also make up a good number of scams. Fraudsters advertise vehicles on an online marketplace and trick people into paying money up front under the pretext that the product needs to be shipped from elsewhere. 

Potential legal claims

Despite the informality of an online transaction, it is still subject to certain laws of contracts and consumer protection. The following legal actions can be pursued if the seller makes misrepresentations regarding the sold products or if they take the money but do not provide the buyer with the promised item.

Fraud can serve as the basis for a lawsuit if the seller intentionally deceives the customer. Such a situation occurs when a false representation of any important information is made, which the consumer relies on to purchase a product.

Ohio consumers can file a lawsuit for breach of contract if the seller violates their duties regarding the sale of the product. Despite the fact that the deal took place on the internet and was informal, a contract was still entered into by both parties.

Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act might also be applicable to the case. 

What should I do after I’ve been scammed? 

If you think that you are the victim of an online marketplace scam, you can take certain steps to increase the possibility of recovering your funds.

First, document all the evidence you have. Take screenshots of the listing page, all the communications with the seller, and any other evidence you might use to prove that you were a victim of an online marketplace scam.

Secondly, you can report the scam to the marketplace itself. Many companies have internal mechanisms to deal with scams. They can delete the seller’s account or help you recover your money.

You can also report the fraud to the police of the Office of the Ohio Attorney General. However, do not expect to recover the money from criminals. Sometimes, they don’t even live in the same state as you.

Another good way of handling the issue is to consult a consumer law attorney. 

Talk to a Dayton, OH, Consumer Law Attorney Today 

Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC, represents the interests of Dayton residents who have been scammed by online sellers. Call our Dayton consumer lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your case right away.