Classifieds - More Restrictions (Require Users to Receive an OTP via Phone, Verify ID before Being Able to Post)

WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 05/01/2020 - 23:26
Last edited 06/01/2020 - 22:55

Classifieds Should Have More Restrictions Like:

  1. Require users to verify their ID (via AusPost Digital ID, etc.) - How this would help: Ensures users are actually in Australia and not using a VPN also ensures users aren’t making multiple accounts to scam people.

  2. Require users to verify their phone number (via an OTP text.) - How this would help: This is not as effective as verifying ID but it may prevent users making multiple accounts.

  3. Change minimum age of account from 1 year to 1 year and 6 months.

To further prevent scams on OzBargain classifieds.

If you have any other suggestions/feedback leave a comment below.

Change log:

6/1 10:55PM - Added Suggestion 3 (Extend account age)

Poll Options

  • 0
    I Agree with Suggestion 1 (Verifying ID)
  • 2
    I Agree with Suggestion 2 (OTP Text)
  • 16
    I Agree with both Suggestions
  • 0
    I Disagree with Suggestion 1 (Verifying ID)
  • 0
    I Disagree with Suggestion 2 (OTP Text)
  • 47
    I Disagree with both Suggestions
Site Discussion

Comments

  • IceCreamBandit on 05/01/2020 - 23:32
    +2

    Disagree with both.

    OzBargain provides the section for the convenience of members to make private sales. Doing this could give OzBargain possible liability if anything goes wrong.

    See blurb at the top of the Classifieds section below:

    Classifieds is a place for members to sell, give away, swap personal items or indicate interest in obtaining items. This is strictly for personal use between members only, and members do so at their own risk. OzBargain is simply providing the platform to allow users to create free listings and facilitate communication between interested parties - we do not offer buyer protection or facilitate payments. OzBargain takes no responsibility for the condition of physical goods, failed deliveries or financial transactions, and will not be involved in any disputes that occur. We would encourage inspection of physical items where possible before finalising any transactions, and discourage sending or wiring money to someone whose history is unknown. Please see Classified Posting Guidelines for further information.

    Does Option 1 give OzBargain our personal information? Not sure if people would go for that.
    Option 2 is not useful if someone was intent on scamming others, as new phone numbers can be easily acquired

    Implementing either option is just opening a can of worms for moderators and admins.

    • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 05/01/2020 - 23:34

      Does Option 1 give OzBargain our personal information?

      Only a bit, AusPost Digital ID only gives: First and Last name and confirmation that their ID has been verified.

      • IceCreamBandit on 05/01/2020 - 23:37

        What would be the cost and effort required by OzBargain staff to set this up? As these are classifieds, users still manage the transaction of money, OzBargain would get absolutely nothing out of this.

        Why go to all that trouble for literally nothing?

      • pifts on 06/01/2020 - 08:27

        That alone brings in a heap of legal data / privacy obligations

  • whooah1979 on 06/01/2020 - 00:11
    +10

    Ozb provides a classifieds as is. Use eBay, gumtree, Facebook, etc, if you want more options.

  • spackbace on 06/01/2020 - 01:54
    +7

    Ask for too many restrictions on classifieds and Scotty would just delete that forum and call it a day. It's provided as a minor thing to assist members, but not to provide services like Gumtree.

  • pennypincher98 on 07/01/2020 - 10:22
    +1

    You use classifieds at your own risk. As other people have stated, alternatives exist but there's much less scams on here then Gumtree.

    I only buy from established members. If someone hasn't posted or commented much before, I don't buy from them.

    Furthermore if someone was a scammer, they can easily get a new number or fake their identity.

  • wetsandwich on 08/01/2020 - 09:09

    Meh - gumtree and facebook allow randoms and it's still kind of your own fault if you get scammed because a scam is usually too good to be true or they only accept bank deposit for that brand new iphone 15 ultra max.
    You can't put so much onus on a forum to check everyone because what if they still pull off a scam? You'd hold them responsible because of the false sense of security.

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