The internet makes it easy for us to connect with people far away, but it also opens us up to bad people who might try to trick us. When you share your email or phone number on websites where you can sell things, like online marketplaces, scammers see you as a target.
This past summer, I decided to sell my 10-year-old Corolla because used cars were in high demand. I posted ads on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and other sites. Right away, I got a lot of offers, but most of them were from scammers trying to steal my identity.
If you haven’t sold anything online lately, you might be surprised by how many scammers there are now and the new tricks they use to try to steal your identity. Here are some examples I ran into.
The “I’m not fake, you’re fake” scam technique

Scammers might try to check if you are real by asking you to send them a special code. They’ll tell you it’s just for verification, but don’t believe them. If you send them this code, they can use it to take over your phone number.
Once they have your number, they can reset your passwords if they know your username. They could even trick your friends or sell things pretending to be you, and you wouldn’t even know it’s happening. Always be careful and never share codes with strangers online.
They will play with your emotions

Scammers know you want to sell your car quickly because there aren’t many used cars available right now. They’ll act like they’re really interested in buying your car. You might think they truly want to buy it because you’ve taken good care of your car, like always using synthetic oil. But, you are just another target to these scammers.
When you talk to buyers online, be very careful. Some of them might say they have the cash ready and can meet you right away. But then they ask for a verification number from you before they meet. Don’t send any numbers or personal information. Always be skeptical of these requests.
Everything is fair game

When you post your phone number online, be prepared for scammers to contact you about many things, not just your car. After I listed my number, I started getting texts and calls every hour.
They sent me pictures claiming to be from “lonely single women” nearby, secrets about cryptocurrency, and requests for donations to the war in Ukraine.
But all these messages had one thing in common: They tried to grab my attention or alarm me, and then they included a link that asked for my personal information. Don’t click on any links like these.
What you can do to protect yourself
Never send a verification code to anyone. No one needs a verification code from you unless it’s for logging into a website where you have extra security set up, like two-factor verification.
Your bank, the IRS, or anyone else saying they’re from your neighborhood should never ask for a verification code. If someone asks for one, it’s definitely a scam.