SCAM GUIDE
Is this marketplace buyer or seller a scammer?
Be careful when a buyer or seller pushes you to pay or be paid outside the platform, sends a link to “confirm” a payment, or asks for a deposit before you see the item. Keep messages and payments inside the marketplace and meet in person where you can.
Already paid or shared details? Go to the response steps →Last reviewed · General information, not legal or financial advice. How we write these guides
What it looks like
Sellers
“I’ve paid by bank transfer — confirm through this link to receive the money.”Example wording
Buyers
“Pay a deposit through my private link before you see the item.”Fictional buyer example
Keep communication and payment on the platform. Pause if asked to pay a deposit before seeing the item.
Warning signs
- A link or email to “receive” your money
- An overpayment and a request to refund the difference
- Pressure to pay a deposit or use a courier
- Moving the chat to another app
Immediate steps and recovery
- Keep communication and payment on the platform.
- Don’t click payment links or share bank logins.
- Report the profile to the marketplace. Use the marketplace’s own reporting tools in its official app or help centre. The route varies by platform.
- Report it to Scamwatch.
Already paid or shared details?
If you paid or shared card or banking details, call your bank on the number on your card or in its app. Follow the recovery steps.
Where to report it
Use the independent contacts and official reporting routes in the help panel.
Already lost money or details? Read what to do if you’ve been scammed.
Online marketplace scams: common questions
Why would a buyer send me a link to receive payment?
Receiving money doesn’t require you to click a link or enter card details. Payment links like this are a common way scammers steal account details.
The buyer overpaid and wants a refund. Should I send it?
No. Overpayment requests are a common marketplace scam. Contact your bank and the platform before sending any money.
