Online Marketplace Scams - Buy & Sell Safely
🛒⚠️ ONLINE MARKETPLACE SCAMS - BUY & SELL SAFELY
Online marketplaces can be a convenient way to find great deals or sell items you no longer need, but scammers know how to take advantage of these platforms. Fake listings, fraudulent payments, and requests for verification codes can quickly turn a simple transaction into a financial loss.
💬 COMMON MARKETPLACE SCAMS:
Fake listings: Scammers advertise items that don't exist, often at unusually low prices.
Fake payment confirmations: A buyer claims they've paid and sends a fake email or screenshot as proof.
Overpayment scams: A buyer “accidentally” sends too much money and asks you to refund the difference.
Verification code scams: A buyer or seller asks you to send them a code they claim is needed to verify you're a real person.
Fake shipping or payment links: Scammers send links that lead to websites designed to steal your login or financial information.
Pressure to pay outside the platform: A seller insists on gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps instead of a safer payment method.
🚨 WARNING SIGNS:
The price is much lower than similar listings.
The other person creates a sense of urgency or pressures you to act quickly.
They refuse to meet or use the marketplace's normal payment process.
Someone asks for your bank information, password, or one-time security code.
A buyer sends more money than requested and asks you to send some back.
You're asked to click an unexpected payment, shipping, or verification link.
🛡️ PROTECT YOURSELF:
Research the item and compare prices before purchasing.
Keep conversations and transactions on the marketplace whenever possible.
Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time security codes.
Don't send money based solely on a screenshot or payment notification.
Be cautious with payment methods that offer little or no protection.
If selling an item, don't refund an overpayment until your bank confirms the original payment has actually cleared.
For in-person transactions, meet in a safe, public location and follow the platform's safety recommendations.
If something feels rushed or unusual, stop and verify before continuing.
🧰 HELPFUL RESOURCES:
FTC: Online Shopping
FTC: Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong
FTC: What To Do if You’re Billed for Things You Never Got, or You Get Unordered Products
FTC: Report Fraud
📍 IF YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN TARGETED:
Stop communicating with the person and don't send any additional money.
Contact your bank if you sent money or shared financial information.
Change your passwords if you shared login information.
Save screenshots and messages related to the transaction.
Report the account or listing to the marketplace.
Report the scam to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
