Online Marketplace Buyer Scam

A "buyer" on a marketplace app sends a fake payment confirmation screenshot or overpays with a bad check, then asks the seller to ship the item or refund the difference before the payment actually clears.

A "buyer" contacts a seller on a marketplace app and sends what looks like a payment confirmation screenshot or claims to have overpaid by mistake, then asks the seller to ship the item immediately or refund the "extra" amount before the payment has actually cleared or arrived. Because the seller sees only a fake screenshot or a check that later bounces, they end up shipping merchandise or wiring a refund for money that was never really sent, losing both the item and the "refunded" cash.

• A buyer sends a payment screenshot instead of you confirming funds in your own account.
• The buyer claims to have accidentally overpaid and asks for a refund of the difference.
• Payment arrives as a check for more than the asking price.
• Pressure to ship or refund quickly before you've verified the payment cleared.

• Confirm payment has actually landed in your account, not just a screenshot, before shipping anything.
• Be suspicious of any buyer who overpays and asks for a refund of the difference.
• Meet locally for cash when possible instead of shipping to unverified buyers.
• Use the marketplace's built-in, verified payment system rather than outside apps.