Online marketplaces are full of honest people, and a few scammers. Most scams follow a handful of patterns.
Red flags for buyers
- Prices far below everything else
- Seller wants a deposit before you see the item
- Payment only by wire, gift card, crypto or payment app to a stranger
- Seller can't meet, and wants to ship
Red flags for sellers
- Buyer "overpays" and asks for change back
- Fake payment confirmation emails
- Buyer asks you to read back a verification code sent to your phone
- Buyer wants to send a courier and pay later
Report it
Report scams to the platform and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
General educational information. Always check recalls for safety items. Centsational Deals isn't paid by any store, marketplace or reseller.