Buying and Selling Online? Don’t Let a Marketplace Scam Spoil the Deal

Key Takeaways

• Keep communication and payments within the marketplace whenever possible.
• Don’t trust screenshots or emails claiming that payment was made.
• Be cautious if someone offers more than your asking price.
• Never pay a fee simply to receive money from a buyer.

Main Article

Online marketplaces make it easy to buy everything from furniture and electronics to collectibles and holiday decorations. They also give scammers opportunities to target both buyers and sellers with fake payments, bogus shipping arrangements and requests to move conversations away from the marketplace.

Sellers should be particularly wary of buyers who claim they’ve already sent payment and then provide a screenshot or email as proof. Always verify funds independently through the payment service or your financial account. A convincing-looking message isn’t the same thing as confirmed payment.

Another warning sign is an unusually complicated transaction. A supposed buyer may offer extra money for shipping, ask you to purchase gift cards, claim you need to “upgrade” an account to receive payment or send a courier to pick up an item. Buyers, meanwhile, should be cautious about sellers who demand deposits or payment before allowing them to see a high-value item.

Whether you’re buying or selling, slowing down can protect you. Stay on the platform when possible, independently verify payments and walk away from any transaction that suddenly becomes more complicated than it needs to be. A great deal isn’t worth putting your money or personal information at risk.