Is a used phone being sold online where the seller asks me to pay first a scam?
Paying before receiving any item from a private seller carries real risk. Use platforms with buyer protection and avoid bank transfers to strangers for high-value items.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Second-hand electronics scams are common on classified ad sites and social media marketplaces. A seller lists a phone at a tempting price, creates urgency, and insists on payment upfront by bank transfer before posting the item. Either the phone never arrives, it arrives broken or as a different model, or in extreme cases the listing is entirely fake. If you must buy from a private seller, use the marketplace's built-in payment system where available, pay by credit card if buying from a verified retailer, and only pay bank transfer when you can collect the item in person in a safe public location. For high-value items, meeting in person with cash or secure payment is safer than postal sale with prepayment.
Common red flags
- Seller insists on bank transfer or cash app before posting
- Price is significantly below average for the model
- Seller cannot meet in person despite being supposedly nearby
- Profile is newly created and has no reviews or history
What to do now
- Use the platform's built-in buyer-protected payment where available
- Meet in person for high-value items and only pay when item is in hand
- If you already paid and received nothing, report to your bank and the platform
- File a report with your consumer protection or fraud authority
Frequently asked questions
Is paying through PayPal Goods and Services safe for private sales?
PayPal Goods and Services offers buyer protection and is safer than direct bank transfer, but you should still research the seller and use the platform's built-in tools where they exist.