Product or service scam
It is called product or service scam when a product, service, apartment, or job is advertised online, requiring upfront payment, but you never receive what you paid for.
It can be risky to make purchases online from someone you have never met, especially for large amounts of money. When buying something online, for example through social media, it is safest not to pay until you have seen the product or signed a contract. Similarly, if you take on a job or project advertised online, you should never be required to pay anything upfront, such as travel expenses.
A common tactic used by scammers is to pressure people by creating a sense of urgency. Such behavior should always raise suspicion.
1. Contact Your Bank or your Financial Service Provider
Reach out as soon as possible to let them know. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of stopping the payment.
2. Report fraud to the Police
You should always report product and service scam to the Police. You can do that here or at the nearest police station.
In the report, you will be asked to authorise the police to investigate the case with the bank, granting this will help with the investigation.
Examples of advance payment fraud:
You transfer money for a product advertised on Facebook but never receive it.
The product is supposed to be shipped via a delivery company, and you are sent a link to transfer the payment.
You pay rent for an apartment without seeing it.
You are asked to make an advance payment to claim a lottery prize.
Service provider
The Icelandic Police