Avoiding Classifieds Scams

Classifieds scams recycle the same handful of tricks. Once you know them, they're obvious — and avoidable with a few non-negotiable rules.

The overpayment & fake-payment cons

A "buyer" sends a check or payment for more than the price and asks you to refund the difference — the original payment later bounces and you're out the refund. Others send a fake "payment received" screenshot. Rule: only act on money that has actually, fully cleared into your account, and never refund or ship against a payment you can't verify.

The off-platform and "shipping" traps

Scammers push you to text, email, or a messaging app to escape the platform's record and protections. They invent reasons they "can't meet" and need you to ship first, or send a "courier". For local classifieds, if they can't meet in person, treat it as a scam. Keep everything on-platform until you've met.

Verify, never rush

Real buyers and sellers are fine with reasonable checks. Scammers manufacture urgency — "I'll lose it if we don't do this now". Inspect the item, confirm cleared payment, meet in public, and never share bank details, codes, or one-time passwords. A verification "code" they ask you to read back is itself the scam.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common classifieds scams?
Overpayment/fake-check refund scams, faked "payment sent" screenshots, pressure to move off-platform, requests to ship before payment clears, fake couriers, and "verification code" cons. Nearly all rely on rushing you or going off-platform.
Someone wants to pay more and have me send the difference — is that a scam?
Yes. Overpayment-and-refund is a classic scam: the original payment bounces later and you lose the refund. Never refund or send money against a payment you haven't confirmed fully cleared.
Why shouldn't I move the conversation off the platform?
Platforms keep a record and some protections; scammers want you off them so there's no trace. Keep all communication on-platform at least until you've met in person.
Is a "verification code" request a scam?
Yes. Asking you to receive and read back a code (often a Google Voice setup or 2FA code) is a con to hijack an account or verify a fake one. Never share codes sent to your phone.

Keep reading

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