Marketplace & Escrow Fraud
Scammers spoof listings and invoices, push off‑platform payments, and mimic escrow services.
Buyer risks
- Too‑good‑to‑be‑true prices + urgency pressure.
- Requests to pay by wire, crypto, or gift cards.
- Links to off‑platform “escrow” clones.
Seller risks
- Overpayments with stolen cards followed by “refund the difference”.
- Chargebacks after shipping; fake pickup agents.
- “Verification” links that phish credentials.
Safer practices
- Keep messaging and payments on‑platform.
- Use verified escrow you navigate to yourself.
- For high‑value trades, consider in‑person verified escrow desks.