Marketplace Safety Tips

Common Marketplace Scams

1. Fake Payment Confirmations

Buyer sends screenshot of "payment sent" via Zelle/Venmo/Cash App. You ship item, but payment never arrives.

2. Overpayment Scams

Buyer sends check for more than asking price, asks you to refund difference. Check bounces, you're out the money.

3. Fake Shipping Services

Buyer claims to use special "eBay/Facebook shipping service" and sends fake payment email.

4. Bait and Switch

Item in photos looks great, but in person it's damaged, fake, or different item entirely.

5. Rental/Housing Scams

"Send deposit before viewing." Scammer doesn't own the property and disappears with your money.

Red Flags When Buying

• Price too good to be true - iPhone 15 for $200? Probably stolen or fake
• Seller won't meet in person - Insists on shipping only
• Requests unusual payment - Gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency
• Vague or stock photos - Won't provide real photos of actual item
• Pressures quick decision - "Other buyers interested, decide now!"
• New account with no history - Just created profile
• Won't answer specific questions - About item condition, features
• Wants to move off platform - Asks for your phone/email immediately

Red Flags When Selling

• Offers more than asking price - Always a scam
• Wants to ship instead of meet - Especially for local items
• Sends "payment confirmation" screenshots - Check your actual account
• Asks for personal information - Email, phone before committing to buy
• Complex payment schemes - "My assistant will send check..."
• Urgency without meeting - "I'll buy it sight unseen!"
• Sob stories - "It's for my sick child's birthday..."

Safe Meeting Practices

Location:

• Police station parking lots - Many have designated "safe exchange zones"
• Bank lobbies - During business hours, with cameras
• Busy public places - Shopping center parking lots, coffee shops
• Well-lit areas - Daytime meetings preferred
• NEVER at your home - Don't reveal your address
• NEVER at their home - Risk of robbery or worse

Safety Precautions:

• Bring a friend - There's safety in numbers
• Tell someone - Share who you're meeting, where, and when
• Meet during daylight - Avoid night meetings
• Trust your instincts - If something feels off, cancel
• Stay in public view - Don't go to secluded areas
• Keep valuables hidden - Don't flash cash or expensive items

For High-Value Items:

• Meet at bank - Verify cash or get cashier's check
• Bring friend - Essential for expensive items
• Check authenticity - Bring tools to verify (magnet for gold, etc.)
• Test electronics - Bring charger, check all functions

Payment Safety

Verifying Buyers/Sellers

• Check profile history - Reviews, account age, previous listings
• Look for verified badges - Facebook verified profiles
• Google their name/phone - Check for scam reports
• Reverse image search - Photos stolen from other listings?
• Ask questions - Scammers give vague or scripted answers
• Video chat - For high-value items, see item on video first

What If You've Been Scammed?