Marketplace Scam Checker
Check suspicious buyer or seller messages, listing links and payment requests before moving money or communication off the marketplace.
Off-platform pressure
Scammers often try to move conversations or payments away from the marketplace's protected system.
Upfront fee requests
Shipping, insurance, release or verification fees can be used to extract money before any real transaction happens.
Suspicious links
Fake payment and courier pages can imitate real services and ask for card details or login credentials.
Common marketplace scam warning signs
Marketplace fraud often starts with a normal-looking listing or inquiry and becomes suspicious only when the other person asks to use a different payment method, click an external link or pay a fee first.
Keep communication and payment inside the platform when possible. A screenshot of a payment confirmation is not the same as money actually arriving in your account.
How to check it safely
Frequently asked questions
Should I trust a screenshot showing that the buyer paid?
No. Check your own account directly. Screenshots and emails can be fabricated.
Why do scammers ask to continue on WhatsApp or email?
Moving off-platform can remove marketplace protections and make it easier to send fake payment links or avoid moderation.
Is a courier or insurance fee normal?
It depends on the platform and transaction, but an unexpected fee sent through a link from the other party should be verified independently.
Related checks
SafeOrScamCheck provides warning-signal analysis, not a guarantee that something is safe or fraudulent. Verify important identities, payment details and claims independently before acting.