Beware of Counterfeit Shipping Labels on Online Marketplaces

A new fraud scheme has been detected on Swiss online marketplaces Ricardo and Tutti, where buyers provide sellers with counterfeit or manipulated shipping labels. Scammers use barcode tampering and fake payment confirmations to trick sellers into shipping packages, then claim non-delivery to obtain refunds while leaving sellers unable to prove shipment.

How the Scam Works

Buyers provide sellers with pre-printed shipping labels that contain critical irregularities:

Barcode Manipulation: The barcode on the label is altered or falsified
Mismatched Sender Information: The sender address does not match the actual buyer
Fake Payment Confirmations: Counterfeit proof of payment is presented to pressure sellers into shipping quickly

Once the seller ships using the manipulated label, the buyer claims non-delivery. The seller cannot prove shipment under their own name and loses recourse when the buyer requests a refund.

Warning Signs to Identify This Scam

A buyer offers to provide you with a pre-printed shipping label
The sender address on the label appears unusual or unfamiliar
Payment confirmation documents seem suspicious or inconsistent
You are pressured to ship immediately
The label's barcode or format looks different from standard courier labels
The buyer insists you must use their specific label

Prevention and Protection Tips

Shipping Precautions

Never use shipping labels provided by buyers
Always address and frankly packages yourself through official postal services
Select and arrange shipping through trusted couriers of your choice only
Keep your own shipping records and verification

Transaction Safety

Photograph all shipping information and keep records
Document and retain tracking numbers
Share tracking information with the buyer for transparency
Preserve proof of shipment completion

If You're Unsure

Question the buyer if a provided label seems suspicious
Request that the buyer allow you to arrange shipping independently
Consult postal service staff before shipping if anything seems irregular
Verify the legitimacy of labels with your postal service provider

Where to Report

If you become a victim of this fraud:

Cybercrimepolice.ch: Switzerland's official cybercrime reporting portal
Local Police: File a formal report with detailed information about the scam
Marketplace Support: Report the fraudulent buyer to Ricardo or Tutti and request account investigation

This scam falls under "classified advertising fraud" as monitored by the Swiss Federal Office of Cybersecurity (FOBC). Document everything and report promptly to protect other sellers.