The scammer creates a listing using stolen photos, sets a price low enough to attract quick interest, collects payment through an irreversible method, then disappears. Some run this across dozens of listings at the same time.

New account with no history. Stock photos or images that show up on other listings. Urgency to get paid quickly. Refuses any form of buyer-protected payment.

The seller uses photos of a higher-quality or newer item than what they actually have. Once you pay and they ship, there's no mechanism to get your money back if you used a bank transfer or PayID.

Ask for photos with their username written on a piece of paper next to the item. Request a video showing the item working. If they refuse or get defensive, that's your answer.

Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming multiple people are interested. The deposit amount feels small enough that buyers let their guard down. But $50 across 20 victims is $1,000 in a day.

A genuine seller won't pressure you for a deposit before you've even seen the item. If they claim it'll be "gone by tonight," let it go. If the deal is real, they'll still be there tomorrow.

Scammers edit screenshots or use fake banking apps to generate realistic-looking payment confirmations. They pressure the seller to ship quickly before the seller has time to verify the funds have actually arrived.

Never ship until the money is confirmed in your actual bank account. A screenshot is not proof. If the buyer is rushing you to ship before you've verified, that's a red flag.

The scammer uses a stolen credit card, fraudulent bank transfer, or bad cheque to overpay. They pressure you to refund the "extra" quickly. Days later, the original payment is reversed by the bank, but your refund is already gone.

No legitimate buyer overpays on purpose. If someone sends you more than the agreed amount and immediately asks for a partial refund, do not send anything back. Contact your bank first.

Scammers send links disguised as legitimate payment platforms, courier tracking pages, or marketplace notifications. The pages look real but are designed to steal your personal or financial information.

Never click links sent in direct messages. If someone says they've paid, check your account directly. If they send a tracking link, go to the courier's website yourself and enter the tracking number manually.

The scammer pretends to be cautious and safety-conscious. They frame the request as protecting themselves. In reality, they're collecting enough personal information to open accounts, apply for credit, or access your banking.

A buyer never needs your date of birth, ID, or full banking details. If someone asks for personal information beyond what's necessary for the transaction, end the conversation immediately.