Empty Box Scams via Bank Transfer
How empty-box sellers demand bank transfers for high-value goods, then ship an empty box and vanish.
Part of: Empty Box Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Empty box scams targeting bigger-ticket items sometimes demand a bank transfer, framed as the seller's required payment method. The buyer transfers funds for a high-value item and receives an empty box, a weighted filler, or nothing at all.
Bank transfers the buyer authorizes are difficult to reverse, which scammers exploit because there is no chargeback. A seller demanding a bank transfer for an expensive item from a stranger is a clear warning sign.
How this scam works on bank transfer
The buyer is offered a high-value item — electronics, a watch, a console — and told the seller only accepts bank transfer. A low price and urgency push the sale.
The buyer transfers funds to an account the seller controls. An empty or weighted box arrives, sometimes with tracking, or nothing is delivered. The seller then goes silent.
Because the transfer was authorized and the funds are quickly moved on, recovery is difficult. The buyer is left with an empty box and no refund path.
Common red flags
- A seller demands a bank transfer for high-value goods
- The price is well below the item's normal value
- Pressure to transfer quickly to secure the item
- The account name does not match the seller's stated identity
- No in-person inspection or protected payment offered
- Seller becomes unreachable after the transfer
How to protect yourself
- Avoid bank transfers for high-value purchases from strangers
- Prefer in-person inspection or buyer-protected payment methods
- Be wary of deals priced far below market value
- Verify the seller's identity before transferring any funds
- If you transferred money, contact your bank's fraud team immediately
- Keep listings, messages, and transfer records as evidence
How to report it
- Report to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your local equivalent
- Contact your bank to report the transfer and seek recovery assistance
- Report the listing and seller to the marketplace or platform
Frequently asked questions
Can my bank recover an empty box bank transfer?
Recovery is difficult once funds are transferred and moved on, but contacting your bank's fraud team quickly gives the best chance, especially if the receiving account can be flagged. For high-value items, use buyer-protected payments or in-person inspection.