Security Corner Blog

Online marketplaces have made it easier than ever to buy and sell everything from furniture and electronics to concert tickets and collectibles. Unfortunately, scammers have also found these platforms to be the perfect hunting ground for unsuspecting shoppers.

Whether you’re browsing Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or other resale platforms, understanding how these scams work can help you avoid losing money and personal information.

Common Online Marketplace Scams

Fake Listings

One of the most common scams involves fake listings for popular items at prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers often steal photos from legitimate listings and create convincing advertisements to attract buyers.

Once payment is sent, the seller disappears, and the item never arrives.

Non-Delivery Scams

In a non-delivery scam, a seller accepts payment for an item but never ships it. The buyer may receive fake tracking information or endless excuses about shipping delays before the seller stops responding altogether.

Payment App Fraud

Scammers frequently request payment through peer-to-peer payment apps, gift cards, wire transfers, or other methods that offer little to no buyer protection. Once the money is sent, recovering it can be difficult—or impossible.

Overpayment Scams

This scam often targets sellers. A buyer sends a payment for more than the agreed-upon amount and asks the seller to refund the difference. Later, the original payment is found to be fraudulent, leaving the seller responsible for the refunded money.

Counterfeit Products

Luxury goods, designer items, electronics, and collectibles are common targets for counterfeit scams. The item may look authentic online but turns out to be fake, damaged, or significantly different from what was advertised.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

1. Prices that seem unusually low

2. Sellers who pressure you to act quickly

3. Requests to communicate outside the marketplace platform

4. Demands for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps

5. Refusal to meet in person for local transactions

6. Limited seller history or poor reviews

7. Vague descriptions or stock photos only

Tips to Shop Safely Online

Use Secure Payment Methods

Whenever possible, use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or the marketplace’s official payment system.

Research the Seller

Review seller ratings, account history, and customer feedback. Be wary of newly created accounts or profiles with little activity.

Keep Communication on the Platform

Many marketplaces monitor messages and can assist with disputes. Moving conversations to text messages or private email may eliminate valuable protections.

Verify Before You Buy

If purchasing locally, inspect the item before handing over payment. For shipped items, ask for additional photos or details to confirm legitimacy.

Trust Your Instincts

If a seller is rushing you, avoiding questions, or offering deals that seem too good to be true, it’s often best to walk away.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to an online marketplace scam:

1. Stop communicating with the scammer.

2. Contact your financial institution immediately.

3. Report the scam to the marketplace platform.

4. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

5. Change passwords if you’ve shared account information.

6. Report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection agencies.

Stay Alert While Shopping Online

Online marketplaces can be a convenient way to find great deals, but scammers are constantly developing new tactics to trick buyers and sellers. By staying cautious, verifying sellers, and using secure payment methods, you can enjoy the benefits of online shopping while protecting your finances and personal information.

When in doubt, remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.