Buy and sell classifieds safely: Spot the most common scams

Why Classified Ads?

On classified‑ads platforms strangers meet, often in a hurry and without a dealer in between. Scammers exploit exactly that: they steer the conversation away from the platform, send their own links, and play on time pressure. The good news: almost every scam follows the same patterns.

Scam #1: The Fake Payment Link (when selling)

A supposed buyer wants to purchase immediately, without questions and without seeing the item. Instead of transferring money, they send a link: you’re supposed to “receive the money” or “confirm the shipment” – and enter your card details or bank‑login credentials.

• To **receive** money you never have to enter a card number, CVV, or bank password.
• Links sent via messenger, SMS or e‑mail that look like the platform are often cloned pages. Verify them with our Link‑Check or open the platform yourself through the app or the known URL.
• Stay in the platform’s chat. Anyone who wants to jump to a messenger right away is suspicious.

Scam #2: The Made‑Up Shipping or Escrow Service

The buyer claims to live far away and wants to hire a “courier” or “escrow service” that will handle the goods and the money. The service’s website looks professional – but it exists only for the fraud. In the end you’re asked to pay “fees” or hand over your data.

• Use only payment and shipping methods offered directly by the platform, or other trusted ways you choose yourself.
• Unknown services suggested by the buyer are a red flag.

Scam #3: Pre‑payment for Non‑existent Goods (when buying)

A coveted device is listed far below the usual price, the seller is “currently abroad” and wants money up front via bank transfer or gift cards.

• If a price looks too good to be true, it usually is.
• Never pay with gift cards or a money‑transfer service to strangers – that money is virtually unrecoverable.
• Prefer pick‑up with payment on site, or a payment method that includes buyer protection.
• If you’re unsure, ask the seller to show a recent photo of the item with a piece of paper displaying your name and today’s date.

Scam #4: The Verification Code

Someone asks you to forward a code you just received by SMS – supposedly for “verification.” In reality it’s often the code needed to hijack your account.

• Codes from SMS or authenticator apps are for you only. Never share them with anyone.
• Secure your platform account with two‑factor authentication.

Safe Pickup and Handover

• Meet in a busy public place for expensive items and bring a friend along.
• Test devices before paying: turn them on, reset to factory settings, and make sure they’re no longer linked to a previous account.
• When paying cash, don’t hand over large amounts in advance.

If It Happens

• If you entered card or bank credentials: call your bank immediately and have the card or account blocked.
• Change the password of your platform account and check whether new listings or messages were created in your name.
• Save chat logs and payment receipts, report the profile to the platform, and file a police report. Our First‑Aid page walks you through each step.

And the VPN?

A VPN protects your connection when you’re using a foreign Wi‑Fi network to chat or pay. It won’t stop a fake payment link – that requires checking the link beforehand and never entering data that isn’t needed to receive money.