Fake Marketplace Buyer Script
A "buyer" messages about an item you're selling on a marketplace, then insists on using an off-platform shipping or payment link instead of the platform's built-in checkout, claiming it's needed to "arrange courier pickup" or release payment. The scammer's real goal is to get you entering card or bank details on a fake payment page, or to trick you into paying a bogus "shipping label" or "release fee" yourself. The lever is impatience and the appeal of a quick, guaranteed sale outside the platform's usual process. The most important step is to keep every transaction inside the marketplace's own payment and messaging system and refuse any external link.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
I'll take it! I'll pay through the platform's courier service — just confirm your details here: [fake link]
I've sent the payment, but you need to pay a [amount] release fee first, then you'll get it back.
Can you accept payment via this link? My app isn't working.
What the scammer wants
To move you off the protected platform onto a fake 'payment/courier' page that captures your card or bank details, or to make you pay a bogus 'release fee'.
Red flags in the message
- Buyer pushing an off-platform payment/courier link
- Requests for your card or bank details to 'receive' money
- A 'release fee' you must pay to get paid
- Overpayment and refund requests
A safe response
Keep all payment within the platform's official system. Never enter card or bank details on a link a buyer sends, and never pay a fee to 'receive' a payment.
What not to send
- Card or bank details
- Any 'release fee'
- Off-platform payments
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank if you entered details or paid
- Report the buyer to the platform
- Preserve the chat and links
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
I already entered my bank details on their 'shipping' site — what now?
Contact your bank immediately to flag the account and watch for unauthorised transactions or new payees you didn't set up. Also change your online banking password and enable extra login verification if your bank offers it.
They sent me a screenshot of a payment confirmation — does that mean I've been paid?
No, screenshots and even convincing-looking confirmation emails are easily faked and prove nothing; the only reliable evidence is money actually appearing in your own account balance, checked by logging in yourself. Don't ship anything or pay a fee based on a screenshot alone.
Is it safe to keep chatting with this buyer within the marketplace app itself?
Chatting within the platform's own messaging system is generally safe since it doesn't expose your financial details, but never follow any link they send out of that chat. If they keep pushing you off-platform, end the conversation and report them.
How do I report a buyer like this to the marketplace?
Most marketplaces have a 'report user' or 'report listing/conversation' option — use it and include screenshots of the off-platform request. This helps the platform remove the scammer's account before they target other sellers.