A marketplace buyer off-platform scam can look like a normal sale at first. The buyer asks about the item, sounds polite, and may even offer to make things easier.
The risk starts when they move the sale away from the marketplace app. That can mean a separate chat, a fake delivery flow, or an outside payment step. Once you leave the platform, you may lose the protection and context that make the sale safer.
The safer move is simple: keep chat and payment inside the marketplace app. If the buyer refuses, walk away.
Do this first
Next 5 minutes
- Keep chat and payment inside the marketplace app. If the buyer refuses, walk away.
- If you only replied, stop moving the conversation and keep everything inside the app.
- If you entered payment details, contact your card or bank provider from an official channel.
- If you sent money or a deposit, save the chat and payment evidence and report it to the platform.
Then continue with the red flag and checklist below. If you already entered details or paid, open already-clicked help.
The red flag
The buyer moves chat, payment, or delivery outside the marketplace app.
Why it works
It feels convenient and polite, so the seller may ignore that the protection is being removed.
Safer move
Keep chat and payment inside the marketplace app. If the buyer refuses, walk away.
If you already clicked
- If you only replied, stop moving the conversation and keep everything inside the app.
- If you entered payment details, contact your card or bank provider from an official channel.
- If you sent money or a deposit, save the chat and payment evidence and report it to the platform.
