• Trustap is a digital payment platform that protects you from being scammed when buying or selling online.

Although you might classify yourself as being digitally savvy and security conscious, that does not mean you cannot be tricked by scammers. In recent years, scammers have developed sophisticated scams that make all sectors of society vulnerable.

Cork native and founder of Trustap, Conor Lyden knows this all too well. He could not find a way to purchase football tickets safely online: 

I kept encountering the same problem. They’d say, sure, the tickets are still available, but you’ll have to send me the money first, then I’ll post you the ticket.

This posed a risk that he might not receive the ticket after sending payment, prompting Trustap’s Founder to come up with a better solution. 

Since Trustap was formally founded in 2018, thousands of customers worldwide are using the platform to avoid scams and transact safely when buying and selling with strangers online.

How Scammers are targeting you on Social Media

According to a report published by the FTC at the beginning of 2022, 45% of social media scams in 2021 were associated with online purchases. In 70% of cases, people fell victim to a scam when they placed an order through an advert displayed on their social media. 

Products are often advertised through various platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace, and Facebook groups. The scam begins when innocent victims enquire about the advertised items. A price is usually negotiated and agreed, often significantly lower than its market value, enticing the victim to close the deal quickly.

In most cases, the scammer will request payment through platforms such as Revolut or Bank Transfer. In some cases, they request payment in the form of a voucher, either for Amazon or another well known brand. When the scammer receives their payment they will delete their social media account or simply block you from messaging them.

How Trustap helps prevent the scam?

Trustap positions itself between the buyer and the seller of the product to ensure a secure, risk-free transaction. They securely hold the funds until all milestones are complete and the purchase has been received and inspected by the buyer. 

Utilising Trustap’s buyer protection and fraud detection features, buyers and sellers can transact with a whole new layer of security. 

Considering your funds are not released to the seller until you have received your product and are satisfied with its condition, Trustap’s payment gateway guarantees protection from the most common scams outlined by the FTC.  

The safest way to pay online and avoid scams

On social media your greatest asset against a scammer is your common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. 

If you are ever in doubt about a transaction, never pay by bank transfer, Revolut or through the use of a voucher. These payment methods offer no protection against fraud. Your money will be unretrievable if your product does not arrive or is unsatisfactory.

We recommend when either buying or selling online to always request to transact with Trustap. Trustap is an instant transactional solution for any online service or marketplace, eliminating the prospect of fraud and scams. 

Sponsored Article

Help support Cork Safety Alerts by becoming a member – Click Here