Identifying Scams

Sometimes it can be tough to know whether an offer is genuine or fraudulent. Below, we’ve outlined common scam types and included examples that illustrate how scammers might attempt to obtain your personal information, money, or belongings. By learning to recognize these red flags, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of scam intended to steal personal information—like passwords, account details, and banking credentials—by impersonating a trustworthy party or service.

Scammers may:

  • Ask you to click a link to sign in to an account or service.
  • Request a “verification code” or “pin” under false pretenses.
  • Direct you to a website or form that resembles a legitimate site, but is actually fraudulent.
  • Send attachments (potentially malware) and urge you to download them.

If you suspect a phishing attempt:

  1. Avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments.
  2. Change your QuickyList password (and any similar passwords you use elsewhere) immediately.
  3. Flag or report any emails or postings linked to this activity (see the Reporting Scams section for more resources).

Email Scam Examples

Below are representative emails scammers have sent to QuickyList users. Each example includes warning signs you can look for. Do not respond to messages if you believe they are scams. Use the “Report” or “Flag” features whenever available.

Example 1

Hi,

I am selling this car because my platoon has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before November 16th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects... It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,300. The car is in Baltimore, MD, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping...

Regards!!!

Warning Signs

  • Posing as an authority figure (military, etc.) to gain your trust.
  • Creating urgency (“must sell before November 16th”).
  • Detailed personal backstory to elicit sympathy.
  • Price too good to be true—scammers want you excited about a “deal.”
  • Item requires shipping—scammers avoid meeting in person.

Example 2

First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I sell it at this price($2,980.00 ) because I have been divorced recently... From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services...

Warning Signs

  • Detailed personal story (“recently divorced”) to earn sympathy.
  • Unrealistic price—luring buyers with a “steal.”
  • Payment required online with no in-person option.
  • Mentioning brand names (“eBay services”) to appear credible.
  • Guarantee of ‘safe’ method to make you feel protected.
  • Shipping—again, no face-to-face meeting.

Example 3

Hello,

I am looking for caring and honest person to watch my 3 years old daughter while I work... My little daughter (Mellina ) is 3 years old, I will be waiting patiently...

Warning Signs

  • Long personal background to evoke sympathy.
  • Vague or unclear request—scammers engage you to gather info.
  • Different geographic location—scammers avoid local, in-person interactions.
  • Offering prepayment or deposit before meeting you.

Example 4

Thanks for your mail, Since the cost of your bike is $800 i just contacted my client about the cost of your bike... So my client said he will be issuing you a Certified Check of $4000 while you wire 3000 to me through Western Union Money Transfer...

Warning Signs

  • Overpayment scenario—fake or stolen checks, then they ask you to wire the difference.
  • Certified checks are easily forged.
  • Western Union / wire transfers—hard to trace or reverse.
  • Requesting personal/bank details or additional info under false pretenses.

Phone Scam Examples

Scammers often target users via text messages. Here are examples of suspicious texts. Do not reply if you suspect it’s a scam. Some carriers let you forward scam texts to SPAM (7726).

Example 1

Your account was reported as fraudulent. Text back with your email address so we can verify that this phone number is associated with your QuickyList account. Otherwise it will be permanently erased

The QuickyList Team

Warning Signs

  • Asking for personal info (email) to “verify” your account.
  • QuickyList doesn’t require extra email verification beyond normal sign-up.
  • Threatening account removal to spur immediate action (urgency).

If you’re concerned about your account or postings, log in directly at https://accounts.quickylist.org/login rather than following suspicious links.