Beware of scammers on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp who exploit the trust of buyers and sellers by posing as legitimate sellers and demanding payment for shipping fees upfront. Learn how to spot and avoid falling victim to this deceitful scheme.
Exercise caution when dealing with sellers who demand payment for shipping fees upfront, especially if the request seems suspicious or inconsistent with typical marketplace transactions. Always verify the legitimacy of the seller and the item before making any payments.
Red flags:
- Sellers demanding payment for shipping fees upfront before providing tracking information.
- Unusually high shipping fees compared to standard rates.
- Requests to wire money or use unconventional payment methods.
- Lack of seller reviews or history of successful transactions.
Examples:
