Warning after woman's 'massive mistake' while selling item on Gumtree
A cyber security expert has warned of the dangers of websites such as Gumtree following a spate of robberies linked to online shopping.
Just last week one woman suffered horrifying injuries after she was dragged 250 metres by a fleeing car as she tried to stop thieves.
Alex Elliott, 22, from Perth, was trying to sell a Gucci belt for $290 on Gumtree when two male teenagers stole the fashion accessory from her home.
She was hospitalised for two days with severe cuts to her feet, legs and arms.
Police said the incident was one of five similar incidents that day where men arrived at homes to purchase items advertised online before stealing them.
Nigel Phair, Director of UNSW Canberra’s Cyber Centre, told Sunrise the rise in thefts was a growing concern.
“People have always looked to the online environment to do physical scams and incidents like this are truly shocking,” he said.
“Unfortunately we have a lot of these matters which are under-reported or not reported purely because people don’t know where to go to report such incidents.”
He advised anyone who is a victim of such crimes to report them at acorn.gov.au – The Australian Cybercrome Online Reporting Network.
Mr Phair said inviting people into your home for a transaction as Ms Elliott did is a “massive mistake”.
“We really need to put the real world into the online when it comes to transactions,” he said.
“You wouldn’t necessarily invite a stranger at any other time into your house. If you’re doing a commercial transaction you definitely wouldn’t.”
He said if a potential suitor is to come to your house, make sure the transaction is done in the front garden or porch with the street visible.
How to stay safe when selling online
Mr Phair said when using sites such as eBay and Gumtree there were several safety tips to keep in mind.
“When placing the ad, you obviously don’t place any of your home details in the text of the ad, but be wary of any photographs you take that might have identifiers in the background,” he said.
“If you’re concerned and you don’t want people to come round to your house, pick it up at a public place such as a shopping centre or a fast food outlet with a trusted other person.”
He said extra caution should be taken when selling or buying items of great value.
“When you meet them get their ID, particularly if they’re going to drive your car,” he said.
“You might want to get their car keys and have a look at their driver’s licence and take some notice.
“Really just have that peak sense of security around everything you do.”
