Marketplace Scams
Fake buyers and sellers on classifieds and marketplaces targeting your money or goods.
What is this scam?
Marketplace scams happen on second-hand platforms: buyers pay fake invoices, sellers never ship, or “couriers” collect goods without payment.
Off-platform payment is the main risk—once you leave the marketplace’s protections, recovery is harder.
How it works
- Buyer sends a fake “paid” screenshot or overpays and asks for a refund.
- Seller requests deposit via wire transfer before viewing an item.
- Fake escrow or delivery links mimic the platform’s branding.
- Pickup scams use accomplices posing as couriers.
Warning signs
- Pressure to complete payment outside the platform
- Prices far below market value for high-demand items
- Refusal to meet in person for local sales
- Emails or links that do not match the official marketplace domain
- Requests for gift cards, crypto, or Western Union
What to do
- Keep communication and payment inside the platform when possible.
- Inspect items in person for local deals before paying.
- Report suspicious listings to the marketplace.
- Contact your bank if you sent money based on a fake confirmation.
- Check unknown payment or tracking links with Fraudly.
Safety checklist
- Prefer platform checkout with buyer/seller protection
- Never ship before verified platform payment clears
- Be wary of “courier will collect” stories
- Verify tracking URLs before entering details
- Save chat logs and payment references
Check a website before you pay
Paste a shop or payment link into Fraudly's free checker—get trust signals before you share card details or log in.
Check a website before you payFrequently asked questions
- Is bank transfer safe for marketplace deals?
- Usually no for unknown sellers—offers little recourse if goods never arrive.
- Does Fraudly check marketplace profile links?
- Fraudly checks website URLs—paste payment or shop links you receive in chat.
Related scam guides
Fake Webshops
Copycat stores that take your money and never ship—or steal card details.
Read guideParcel Delivery Scams
SMS or email claiming you owe a delivery fee or must reschedule a parcel.
Read guideWhatsApp Scams
Messages from “family,” “bosses,” or strangers pushing urgent payments or codes.
Read guidePhishing Emails
Fake emails that steal passwords, payment details, or install malware.
Read guide
Fraudly is not a law enforcement agency. We provide informational guidance and links to official reporting organisations.
Related Fraudly resources
- Website scam checkerRun a free URL check for trust signals, scam patterns, and plain-language risk context.
- Scam awareness certificateTest your scam detection skills and earn a shareable Fraudly certificate.
- Download Fraudly appGet the iOS app or Chrome extension for on-the-go website trust checks.
- Fraudly PremiumDeep Scan and Live Protection in Chrome—website scans stay free.
- Scam alertsPublished threat alerts with context on emerging phishing and scam campaigns.
- Intelligence HubEditorial guides on fake webshops, phishing, and warning signs before you pay or log in.
