Marketplace is a great place to find bargains – from second-hand goods to brand-new, unused items. Small businesses use Marketplace to sell new items and people often sell items they don't need or want. But mixed in with the real deals are scams. Scammers post too-good-to-be-true offers – like fake iPhones, laptops and fridges (or even apartments for rent in prime spots). Once you pay, they vanish. No item. No refund.
Tips to slam Marketplace scams
- If the price is too low, it’s likely a scam
- Don’t trust pretty pictures – they can be fake
- Never pay (not even a deposit) until you see the item in person
- Always meet in a safe public place to exchange goods
- Check the seller’s profile – just a few friends, no posts or no reviews? That’s a warning sign
- Buy from local sellers so you can check the item first
How to spot fake Marketplace ads
- Product prices are much lower than what other retailers charge for the same product
- The seller pressures you to urgently place an order, pay a deposit, or make a full payment before you’ve even seen the item
- You’re pressured to ‘pay now or lose the deal’
- The seller (or buyer) profile looks new – no friends, posts or photos
