Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
What are common signs that an online marketplace is a scam or fraudulent?
Executive summary
Online marketplace scams commonly show the same warning signs: unusually low prices, pressure to pay off-platform or quickly, requests for verification codes or odd payment methods, and profiles or listings that look new or recycled [1] [2] [3]. Multiple consumer-security outlets and banks say purchase scams are rising and account for a large share of frauds originating on marketplaces, so vigilance about these signals matters [4] [5].
1. Bargains that look too good to be true — the classic lure
Consistent reporting flags dramatically low prices on high-value items as a red flag: scammers list underpriced goods to get quick interest and payments before a buyer realises the product is fake or non‑existent [6] [1]. Coverage from specialist guides and consumer sites repeatedly warns that “too cheap” is often the first signal of counterfeit, stolen, or fake-listing schemes [7] [8].
2. Pressure, urgency and emotional manipulation — closing the sale before you think
Several sources describe urgency and emotional pressure — “we have another buyer,” “must sell now,” or time-limited deals — as a core psychological tactic used to rush people into payment without checks [2] [7]. Wise and other consumer guides explicitly list panic and urgency as hallmarks of scams and advise pausing to verify the listing [1].
3. Requests to move off-platform or use unusual payments — the isolation play
Scammers try to move conversations off the marketplace messenger to email, WhatsApp, text, or direct bank transfers; guides recommend keeping chats on-platform and avoiding payment methods that are hard to trace or reverse [6] [2]. Multiple sources caution that insistence on a specific payment app, paying before meeting, or shipping‑only deals increases fraud risk [2] [8].
4. Asking for verification codes or QR-code tricks — donation of access, not goods
A recurring, specific warning: never share SMS or app verification codes with a buyer or seller. Reporting shows criminals ask for codes (or trick users into scanning malicious QR codes) to take over accounts or set up forwarding services like Google Voice — a tactic highlighted across consumer outlets [9] [10] [11]. If someone asks for a code “to prove you’re real,” cut contact and report [11].
5. New or sparse profiles, reused images and inconsistent details — signs of dummy accounts
Fraud guides say brand-new profiles with few pictures, reused photos, or listings that lack seller history are typical of dummy accounts used for scams [3] [12]. Reverse-image searches can reveal copied photos and help expose fake listings; other signals include inconsistent names/addresses or sudden account changes that may indicate takeover [13].
6. Overpayment, fake payment screenshots, and “shipping insurance” tricks
Reports document schemes where a buyer “accidentally” overpays and asks for a refund, or where scammers demand extra fees such as shipping insurance and then deliver nothing. Publications explain scammers will falsify receipts or screenshots to convince victims they’ve paid when they haven’t [2] [10].
7. Refusal to meet, dodge in-person verification, or odd pickup arrangements — avoid unseen deals
Multiple guides urge in-person inspection for local sales and flag refusal to allow test drives (for cars) or to meet as a red flag because physical inspection would reveal defects or prove non‑existence. Sellers who insist on shipping-only, give vague meeting locations, or produce excuses not to show the item raise strong suspicion [9] [6] [8].
8. Counterfeit goods, fake reviews and professional-looking but deceptive storefronts
Sources note a rise in counterfeit items and fake storefronts that mimic legitimate brands; scammers also manufacture fake reviews to appear trustworthy. Analysts warn that polished sites and social links can be fabricated and should be verified independently [12] [13] [7].
9. Broader trends and scale — why this matters now
Banks and tech firms report that purchase scams originating on marketplaces are a growing problem, with Barclays data showing purchase scams made up 71% of claims in a 2025 window and analysts warning of global increases in scam sophistication [4] [5]. That institutional attention underlines how common these red flags have become and why consumer vigilance is recommended.
10. Practical takeaway — a short checklist to use now
When evaluating a listing: check price against market value; verify the seller’s profile and images; keep communication on-platform; refuse to share codes or move to unusual payment apps; insist on seeing the item or use traceable payment/escrow; and report suspicious listings to the marketplace [1] [6] [2]. These steps reflect the consistent advice across the reporting above and address the core tactics scammers deploy.
Limitations: the sources here focus heavily on Facebook Marketplace and similar peer-to-peer platforms; available sources do not mention platform‑specific protections for every marketplace or legal recourse variations by country [3] [6].