Latest marketplace scam messages
Current marketplace, rental, and ticket scam patterns - courier/overpayment tricks, off-platform payment, and fake deposits.
These are current scam-message patterns our team has reviewed and sanitised - not a live feed. Last updates are shown on each page. We never publish live scam links or personal data.
- fake payment screenshot (marketplace) Likely scam
A buyer who sends a payment screenshot and rushes you to ship is likely scamming you. Learn why screenshots aren't proof and what to do.
- Facebook Marketplace courier scam Likely scam
Facebook marketplace courier scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- buyer sends courier pickup scam Likely scam
Buyer sends courier pickup scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- overpayment refund scam Likely scam
Overpayment refund scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- fake escrow marketplace scam Likely scam
Fake escrow marketplace scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- rental deposit WhatsApp scam Likely scam
Rental deposit whatsapp scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- Airbnb off-platform payment scam Likely scam
Airbnb off-platform payment scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- Booking.com payment link scam Likely scam
Booking.com payment link scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- fake ticket resale message Likely scam
Fake ticket resale message: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- pet adoption deposit scam Likely scam
Pet adoption deposit scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- used car deposit scam Likely scam
Used car deposit scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- fake car shipping fee scam Likely scam
Fake car shipping fee scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
- fake item hold deposit scam Likely scam
Fake item hold deposit scam: why it's a scam, the red flags, and what to do if you logged in, paid, or shared details.
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What this hub tracks
Recently reviewed marketplace scam patterns: overpayment tricks, fake couriers, and off-platform payment.
Recently documented patterns
- Overpayment with a 'refund the difference' request
- Fake 'courier' needing a fee or card details
- Pushes to pay or chat off-platform
- Verification-code (Google Voice/Zelle) ploys
Common red flags
- Unexpected contact creating urgency, fear, or excitement
- Requests for codes, passwords, payment, or personal details
- Links or attachments you did not expect
- A sender, number, or domain that doesn't match the real organisation
What to do
- Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself.
- Don't click links or share codes, passwords, or card details.
- If money moved, contact your bank or provider immediately and report it.
How to verify safely
- Open the official app or type the address yourself - don't tap links in the message.
- Call the organisation on a number you look up independently.
- Check a suspicious message with the free checker before acting.
Related emergency guides
Related scam-type hubs
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice - Imposter scams
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Fraud Prevention Month 2026 / top frauds 2025
Last reviewed: 2026-06-05. These are recently documented, reviewed patterns - not a real-time feed.
We don't claim to detect every scam or guarantee recovery. Always verify through official channels and report to your local authority.