Scams repeat a few patterns. How to spot the signals and structure the transaction.
The stories change; the structure rarely does. Deny time to think, move the conversation off-platform, collect money first. Phrases like 'someone else is looking at it' or 'only until today' exist to make you skip verification. A legitimate seller has no reason to refuse a request for time. Raising suspicion in proportion to how much you are being rushed is the simplest effective rule.
Being asked to continue on a private messenger is itself a signal. Inside the platform there are records and dispute procedures; outside, that protection disappears. Be equally careful with payment links: fake pages copied from real services are common, so never click the link โ open the original app yourself and check there.
Inspecting the item and paying on the spot blocks most scam types outright. Meet somewhere busy and covered by cameras, preferably in daylight. Power on electronics and confirm they work; for phones, check lock status and any loss report before paying. If you are not given time to check, walking away is a valid outcome.
When distance forces a shipped transaction, use the protections available. Platform escrow releases payment only after the item is confirmed. Switching to a direct bank transfer to save the fee removes that protection entirely. Services that let you check an account number or phone against reported fraud are also worth the habit.
Start by organising evidence: the conversation, the transfer record, the account number and contact details. Report to the police and ask the bank to freeze the payment. Speed matters, since a faster report improves the chance of holding whatever remains in the account. Reporting to the platform as well helps prevent further victims from the same account.
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