How-to guide
How to avoid marketplace scams
Marketplace scams push you to pay off-platform or send a deposit for something that doesn't exist. The platform's protection only works if you stay on it.
Buyer and seller red flags
Whether you're buying or selling, these are the classic moves:
- "Pay a deposit to hold it" before you've seen the item.
- "Let's move off the platform" to message or pay directly.
- A buyer who "overpays" and asks for a partial refund.
- A shipping-label or payment-confirmation email that looks slightly off.
Stay safe
Keep payment and chat inside the marketplace, never send deposits to strangers, and check any suspicious listing or message with Scam Doctor before money moves.
Frequently asked questions
Why do scammers want to go off-platform?
Because the marketplace's buyer/seller protection and payment dispute tools only apply to on-platform transactions. Off-platform, your money is gone.
Is it safe to pay by bank transfer or Zelle?
For strangers, no. Those payments are like cash — instant and irreversible. Use the platform's own checkout instead.