Expert warns of triangular scam targeting online buyers and sellers

Technology expert Juan Manuel Méndez has detailed the mechanics of the ‘triangular scam,’ a digital fraud method where a criminal inserts themselves into a legitimate transaction to deceive both the buyer and the seller.

In this scheme, a legitimate seller (A) lists a real product online. A scammer (B) copies the product details and photos to create a fraudulent listing at a significantly lower price. A buyer (C) is then attracted by the low price and communicates with the scammer.

The scammer pressures the buyer to make a quick transfer to a specific bank account. To complete the deception, the scammer contacts the original seller, claiming a friend or relative will arrive to purchase the item. While the buyer physically inspects and receives the genuine product from the seller, the payment is directed to the scammer's account, leaving both the buyer and the seller as victims of the theft.