"Courier link" phishing
The buyer asks you to click a link to "confirm delivery" or "track payment" — the page clones your bank login. Never follow payment or delivery links sent in chat. Verify only on the courier or marketplace's official app.
Avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay & beyond
We scanned thousands of real messages to catalogue the scams sellers actually fall for. Here's what to watch for and what to do when someone tries it.
The most common scam patterns
Fake courier payment receipts
Buyer sends a screenshot showing they've already paid the courier (DHL, FedEx, USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post — name varies, pattern doesn't). The screenshot is fabricated. Always confirm with the courier directly or check the marketplace's payment status, never trust a screenshot.
Overpayment + refund
Buyer "accidentally" sends extra money and asks for a partial refund. The original transfer is then reversed (often via PayPal F&F or a stolen card), leaving you out of pocket on both sides.
Off-platform redirect
Buyer asks to continue on WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or email "for convenience", then pressures you into a deal you can't dispute through the marketplace's protection. Keep all conversations on-platform until payment clears.
How SnapWand's scam check helps
Paste a suspicious message and we highlight the red-flag phrases, match it against known scam patterns and tell you how to reply safely.
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