Stay Scam-Safe: Beware of Fake Ad Verifications on Carousell

Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to utilize platforms and trick users into revealing their personal information. A new impersonation scam has targeted Carousell users through Viber. Here’s how it works and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Impersonation Scam

How It Works
In this scam, an impersonator reaches out to a Carousell user, claiming to be a Carousell employee. They inform the user that their ad has been successfully listed, but to keep it active, they must verify their phone number. They’ll then instruct the user to share a 6-digit code they will receive on Viber. The trick? The code is actually a legitimate Viber activation code, which Viber sends with a reminder to never share it. The impersonator's goal is to gain access to the user’s Viber account.

Here’s a step-by-step of the scam:

1. The impersonator claims your ad is live and requires verification.
2. You receive a Viber code with a warning to keep it private.
3. The impersonator pressures you to share this code, falsely saying your ad may be removed if you don’t.

How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to this scam, here are some important tips:

• Verify Messages in the App: Carousell will never ask you to confirm your ad or account through an external app like Viber. Any verification needed will be handled directly in the Carousell platform.
• Don’t Share Verification Codes: Never share any verification code sent to you from services like Viber, WhatsApp, or any other platform.
• Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive any message asking for verification or codes in an unusual way, report it immediately to Carousell’s support team.

Staying scam-safe means knowing what legitimate communication from Carousell looks like. Always keep your verification codes private, verify through the official app, and stay cautious of unusual requests. By staying informed, you can protect yourself and help keep the Carousell community safe.