PayID Marketplace scam alert

12 January 2023

Sneaky scammers are at it again, sending fake PayID emails to trick people selling items via online platforms like Marketplace or Gumtree.

Scammers pose as buyers and ask the seller if they can pay using a PayID. If the seller agrees, scammers will ask for their PayID email to complete the payment.

Scammers then send a fake PayID email to the seller. This fake email states there was an issue receiving payment because PayID limits exist on non-business accounts. The seller must first transfer funds to increase their PayID limit so they can receive the payment. As soon as this is done, they are promised they will receive a refund and the buyer’s payment.

Instead, unsuspecting sellers are tricked into paying money to scammers.

Example scam PayID email

Be Alert

• Be wary of requests for additional payments - you should never have to send money to receive payment
• Block and report the buyer
• Do not send any money
• If you’ve been a victim of a scam, you can report it to the ACCC via the report a scam page to help protect others from similar scams. Visit scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
• Daily limits of PayID transfers are set by financial institutions, not the PayID network.  Customers can only change their limits through their financial institution.

If you think you have provided payment or details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately. If you bank with Heritage, you can call us 24/7 on 13 14 22. The faster you act, the quicker we can help. 

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