By Fred Flamer
Online marketplace fraud has become increasingly common on resale platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp, and Craigslist. The interesting thing about these platforms is that there are two sides to the risk equation: the seller and the buyer.
Let's start with the seller.
If you are selling something portable, such as electronics, tools, collectibles, or household items, it goes without saying that you should meet in a public location. Police station parking lots, coffee shops, and busy shopping centers are all good options. Not only does this provide a safer environment, but it also prevents the buyer from learning your home address.
I am also a strong advocate for bringing someone with you. Two people are almost always better than one when meeting a stranger.
Things become a little more complicated when you are selling items that are not portable, such as furniture, appliances, exercise equipment, or other large household items. In those situations, the buyer will likely need to come to your home, which means you will eventually have to disclose your address.
There was a case where a man and a woman showed up at a trusting seniors home to check out a king size bed frame that was for sale on one of the resale apps. While the man was scrutinizing the bed frame for possible purchase, the woman needed to use the facilities if you know what I mean. Do you think she actually went to the restroom? Of course not! She used that extra out of sight time to stuff mail into her purse. Shortly thereafter, some strange things started happening to this poor senior’s finances. Her children had cameras installed in the common areas of the house prior, so when the recording was played back, the mail theft was discovered. Receive this as a cautionary tale!
To reduce your risk:
- Never be alone when the buyer arrives.
- Schedule meetings during daylight hours.
- Screen buyers before providing your address.
- Use exterior security cameras whenever possible.
When screening potential buyers, I look for established profiles, reasonable communication, and consistency. A legitimate buyer is usually willing to answer questions and communicate clearly.
On the other hand, several things immediately raise my internal antenna:
- Rushed behavior
- Vague responses
- Inconsistent communication
- Reluctance to answer questions
- Requests for your exact address immediately
A good practice is to initially provide only a general location, such as:
"I'm near downtown."
Once you feel comfortable and a meeting has been confirmed, you can provide the exact address.
I also recommend using security camera systems such as Ring or Nest. While they are not a perfect solution, they can discourage criminal behavior and provide valuable documentation if something goes wrong.
Whenever possible, keep the interaction outside. If that is not practical, limit access to areas such as:
- The driveway
- The garage
- The front yard
- An apartment lobby
Avoid allowing strangers unrestricted access inside your home unless absolutely necessary.
If someone must enter your residence, take a few moments beforehand to secure:
- Financial documents
- Jewelry
- Firearms
- Electronics
- Spare keys
You should also avoid volunteering personal information such as:
- "I live alone."
- "Nobody else is home."
- "I work nights."
Statements like these may seem harmless, but they can provide useful information to someone with bad intentions.
Most importantly, trust your instincts.
If a buyer's behavior suddenly changes, becomes aggressive, or makes you feel pressured, cancel the meeting. No sale is worth compromising your personal safety.
I also recommend keeping communication within the platform whenever possible. Avoid giving out your personal phone number or email address unless absolutely necessary.
Payment Scams
One of the most common forms of online marketplace fraud involves payment scams.
Before accepting payment, scrutinize buyer profiles carefully. Be cautious of:
- Brand-new accounts
- Accounts with little or no activity
- Profiles with no reviews or history
- Suspicious profile photos
- Poor communication consistency
When accepting payment, be aware of:
- Fake payment screenshots
- Fake "pending payment" emails
- Overpayment scams
- Requests to refund excess funds
- Cash App and PayPal impersonation scams
One of the oldest tricks in the book is convincing a seller that payment has been made when it has not.
My advice is simple:
Never release the item until you have verified that the funds are actually in your account.
Not a screenshot.
Not an email.
Not a promise.
The money must be visible in your account before the transaction is completed.
The Buyer's Side of the Coin
Buyers face risks as well.
One issue that often gets overlooked is the possibility of purchasing stolen property. Some people may not care about that possibility, but it is something worth considering.
One of the biggest red flags is when an item is being sold for significantly less than its normal market value. While legitimate bargains do exist, prices that seem too good to be true often deserve additional scrutiny.
Items commonly associated with scams or stolen property include:
- Vehicles
- iPhones
- Gaming consoles
- Designer goods
- High-end electronics
As a buyer, take your time.
Inspect the item.
Test the item.
Ask questions.
Verify ownership when appropriate.
The excitement of getting a great deal can sometimes cloud good judgment.
Final Thoughts
The vast majority of transactions on online marketplaces are completed without incident. However, these platforms are also attractive to scammers because they connect strangers who often know very little about one another.
Whether you are buying or selling, the key is to slow down, verify information, and trust your instincts.
Most marketplace scams succeed because someone feels rushed.
The moment you feel pressured is often the moment you should pause and take a closer look.
-Fin-
#SeniorSecured #OnlineMarketplaceSafety #MarketplaceScams #ScamAwareness #ShopSafeOnline
© 2026 Fred Flamer. All Rights Reserved.