Online Marketplace Scams — Red Flags When Buying or Selling

Too-good-to-be-true prices, sellers who urgently want to move the conversation off-platform, buyers who "accidentally" overpay and ask for a refund of the difference — these are classic marketplace scams. They work because excitement and urgency override caution.

Stay on the platform for all communication and payment. Never ship before payment clears, and never accept checks or wire transfers from strangers. If someone pressures you to act fast, that pressure itself is the red flag. Legitimate buyers and sellers have no problem being patient.