Classifieds scams – warnings & protection
On classifieds platforms, criminals defraud buyers and sellers – with fake “secure payment” links, advance-payment tricks and bogus parcel-service forms. Find warnings and protection tips here.
Current warnings in this category
Affected brands/companies
Common schemes
- A buyer sends the seller a fake “secure payment” link that steals bank or card data.
- A seller demands advance payment for an offer that's never delivered after payment.
- Bogus parcel-service forms to “unlock” the payment ask for sensitive data.
How to protect yourself
- Handle payment and communication only via the platform's official features, not by WhatsApp/email.
- Never click sent “payment links” – real payment systems don't ask for card data via an external link.
- Prefer in-person handover against cash payment or the platform's verified buyer protection.
Frequently asked questions
Is a “secure payment” link sent to me genuine?
Be careful: fraudsters imitate the secure-payment system and send external links. Use the payment function only inside the platform's official app/website.
The buyer wants to continue on WhatsApp – is that ok?
That's a common scam pattern. Stay in the platform's chat. Moving to external channels often serves to bypass protection mechanisms.
How do I hand over safely for local pickup?
In-person handover in a busy place, check the goods, cash payment – this avoids advance-payment and chargeback risks.