How does “secure payment” work for classifieds? Simply explained

How “secure payment” works for classifieds is good to know if you use this payment method as a buyer or want to allow it as a seller.

How “secure payment” works for classifieds

As a buyer, you have various options for paying for goods on the Kleinanzeigen platform. The “secure payment” function was only added over time and is intended to help protect your data.

• If you want to buy something via classifieds, you first agree on a price with the seller in a chat. After that, the “Pay securely now” option is available to you. Click on it to receive payment information.

• However, you do not exchange account information with the seller as before, but transfer the money to a classifieds payment service provider. Once the payment has been received, the seller is notified and sends the item.

• The buyer must then confirm with Kleinanzeigen when the goods have arrived. Only then will the money be paid out to the seller.

Advantages and disadvantages of “secure payment”

Although the payment function is designed to make purchases easier and more secure, it also has disadvantages.

• For buyers, the big advantage is that “secure payment” goes hand in hand with buyer protection. If an item is not shipped or does not match the description in the ad, the money can be refunded.

• Sellers, however, must first activate the “secure payment” function – so it is not possible for every offer.

• As a buyer, if you use “secure payment”, a fee is charged at the time of purchase. The function is free of charge for the seller.

• Unfortunately, there is already a scam that exploits the “secure payment” system. In this case, the fraudsters disguise themselves as prospective buyers and lure the seller with a link to a fake page where they can access the credit card data.