Scams are an unfortunate reality in reselling. Whether you're buying inventory or selling to customers, fraudsters are constantly developing new schemes. This comprehensive guide covers the most common scams, how to spot them, and how to protect yourself.
⚠️ The Golden Rule: If something feels off, trust your gut. No single sale is worth losing your account, your money, or your time. Walk away from suspicious transactions.
Buyer Scams (When You're Selling)
1. The "Item Not As Described" Scam
How it works: Buyer purchases item, receives it, opens INAD claim saying it's damaged/different/fake, returns a different (often worthless) item, gets full refund.
Prevention:
- Photograph serial numbers, unique identifiers, and flaws before shipping
- Video the item and packing process (timestamp visible)
- Use signature confirmation on items over $100
- Document everything in your listing - condition, measurements, flaws
- For expensive items, photograph security tags or add tamper-evident seals
2. The Empty Box Scam
How it works: Buyer claims box arrived empty or item was missing, gets refund while keeping your item.
Prevention:
- Always film yourself packing and sealing the box
- Use tamper-evident tape
- Get accurate weight at time of shipping (keep receipt)
- For high-value items: ship with USPS (federal crime to falsely claim) or require signature
3. The Address Change Scam
How it works: Buyer pays, then messages asking to change shipping address. You ship to new address. They file claim that item never arrived at original (PayPal/platform-registered) address. Platform refunds them.
Prevention:
- NEVER ship to any address other than the one on the order
- If buyer wants address change, ask them to cancel and repurchase
- Document any requests in platform messaging (not text/email)
4. The Partial Refund Scam
How it works: Buyer receives item, messages with vague complaint, threatens negative feedback, asks for partial refund "to make it right."
Prevention:
- Don't cave to pressure - partial refunds often lead to full refunds later
- Ask specific questions: "What exactly is wrong? Please send photos."
- Offer return instead of partial refund
- Report extortion attempts to the platform
5. The Chargeback Scam
How it works: Buyer pays with credit card through PayPal/platform, receives item, files chargeback with credit card company claiming unauthorized purchase. Card company reverses payment.
Prevention:
- Always use platform payment systems (provides protection)
- Signature confirmation on expensive items
- Keep all tracking and delivery confirmation
- Respond promptly to chargeback disputes with documentation
Seller Scams (When You're Buying)
1. Counterfeit Items
How it works: Seller lists fake item as authentic, often at "great deal" price. You receive counterfeit, may not realize until trying to resell.
Prevention:
- If price is too good to be true, it probably is
- Ask for detailed photos of tags, labels, hardware, serial numbers
- Research brand-specific authentication points
- Buy from authenticated platforms when possible (StockX, GOAT, etc.)
- Use professional authentication services for expensive items
2. Bait and Switch
How it works: Listing shows quality item, seller ships inferior item hoping you won't notice or won't bother returning.
Prevention:
- Request photos with specific poses/angles before buying
- Ask for photos with username and date written on paper
- Inspect immediately upon receipt
- Open return/dispute within platform timeframe
3. The Overpayment Scam
How it works: "Buyer" sends check for more than asking price, asks you to wire the difference back. Check bounces, you lose the wired money.
Prevention:
- Never accept overpayment
- Never wire money to buyers
- Wait for checks to fully clear (can take weeks) before shipping
- Stick to platform payment systems
4. The Fake Escrow Scam
How it works: Seller insists on using "escrow" service for buyer protection. Site is fake, you send money, item never comes.
Prevention:
- Only use established platforms (eBay, PayPal, etc.)
- Never click links sent by sellers for payment
- Verify any escrow service independently
Platform-Specific Scams
eBay Scams
| Scam Type | Red Flag | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Second Chance Offer | Email looks like eBay but links elsewhere | Only respond to offers within eBay app/site |
| Off-Platform Purchase | "Save fees, pay me directly" | Never pay outside eBay - no protection |
| Phishing | Emails asking for login info | eBay never asks for password via email |
| Returns Abuse | Buyer with high return rate | Check buyer feedback before accepting |
Facebook Marketplace Scams
| Scam Type | Red Flag | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Zelle/Venmo scam | "I'll pay extra if you use Zelle" | Cash only for local, FB Checkout for shipped |
| Fake payment confirmation | Screenshot showing payment sent | Verify in your actual payment app |
| Robbery setup | Insisting on meeting at home | Meet at police station or busy public place |
| Shipping scam | "My shipper will pick it up" | No third-party shipping arrangements |
Poshmark/Mercari Scams
| Scam Type | Red Flag | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Switch return | Return item different than sent | Photo serial numbers before shipping |
| Contact off-platform | "Email me for better price" | All communication on platform only |
| Fake authentication | Item "authenticated" by unknown service | Use platform authentication programs |
Spotting Fake Buyers
Red flags that suggest a buyer may be a scammer:
- New account with zero feedback
- Asking too many questions about shipping/tracking process
- Overly eager, willing to pay above asking
- Requesting specific shipping carrier or method
- Poor grammar/spelling in messages (common in offshore scam operations)
- Wanting to move communication off-platform
- Shipping address different from billing/PayPal address
- Multiple items purchased immediately by new buyer
High-Risk Categories
Some categories attract more fraud than others:
- Electronics: High value, easy to claim "defective"
- Sneakers: Counterfeit market is massive
- Designer Items: Fakes are sophisticated
- Trading Cards: Resealed products, fake grading
- Gift Cards: Often used in fraud, avoid selling
- Concert/Event Tickets: Extremely high fraud rate
💡 Protection Strategy: For high-risk categories, consider requiring signature confirmation on ALL orders, not just expensive ones. The $3-5 cost is insurance against fraud claims.
Documentation Checklist
For every sale, especially valuable items, document:
- ☐ Serial numbers / unique identifiers photographed
- ☐ Condition photos (all angles, any flaws)
- ☐ Video of packing process
- ☐ Weight of package
- ☐ Tracking number screenshot
- ☐ Delivery confirmation saved
- ☐ All buyer communications kept on platform
What To Do If You're Scammed
As a Seller
- Don't panic - Document everything calmly
- Gather evidence - Photos, videos, messages, tracking
- File platform appeal - Use their dispute process first
- Call (don't just email) - Phone support can escalate
- File police report - For significant fraud, creates paper trail
- Report to IC3 - FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center for online fraud
- File with FTC - ReportFraud.ftc.gov
As a Buyer
- Open case within platform timeframe - Don't wait
- Document what you received - Photos of everything
- Request return label - Platform should provide for INAD
- Escalate if needed - Ask for supervisor/appeal
- Credit card chargeback - Last resort if platform won't help
Protecting Your Accounts
- Strong unique passwords - Different for each platform
- Two-factor authentication - Enable everywhere possible
- Watch for phishing - Never click email links, go directly to site
- Monitor activity - Check for unauthorized listings or changes
- Secure email - Your email controls password resets
- Separate business email - Don't mix with personal
Legal Protections to Know
- Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341): Using postal service to commit fraud is a federal crime
- Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Electronic communications fraud is federal crime
- Fair Credit Billing Act: Chargeback rights for consumers
- State Consumer Protection Laws: Vary by state, often favor buyers
When to Walk Away
Some situations aren't worth the risk. Walk away if:
- Buyer insists on unusual payment method
- Deal seems too good to be true
- Seller won't provide additional photos/verification
- Pressure to complete transaction quickly
- Any request to communicate off-platform
- Your gut says something is wrong
⚠️ Remember: Scammers rely on your desire to make the sale. They create urgency, offer above-market prices, and exploit your trust. A legitimate buyer will understand reasonable verification requests. A scammer will push back or disappear.
Resources
- IC3: ic3.gov - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov - Federal Trade Commission
- BBB Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker - Track and report scams
- USPS Postal Inspection: uspis.gov - Mail fraud reporting