Top 7 Scams on Used-Goods Marketplaces (and How to Avoid Them)

Scams on used-goods platforms follow predictable patterns. Once you know the playbook, they're easy to dodge.

Scam 1: The Advance Payment Trap

The "seller" insists on a token advance before meeting. After you pay, they vanish.

Defence: Never pay before inspecting the item in person.

Scam 2: The Fake Buyer OTP Scam

A "buyer" sends you a UPI payment link and asks for an OTP to "complete the transaction." That OTP actually authorises a debit from your account.

Defence: OTPs are never needed to receive money. Hang up immediately.

Scam 3: The Too-Good-to-Be-True Listing

A brand-new iPhone 15 Pro for ₹8,000. It's either stolen, broken, or the seller will disappear after payment.

Defence: If the price is more than 50% below market, run.

Scam 4: The Switched-Item Trick

You inspect a working item, agree on a price, and the seller "packs it up for you." You get home and find a broken or inferior item.

Defence: Pack the item yourself, or watch carefully as it's packed.

Scam 5: The Fake Bank Screenshot

The buyer sends a screenshot of a completed transfer that never actually went through.

Defence: Check your bank app directly. Never release items until funds appear in your account.

Scam 6: Vehicle Document Fraud

RC books and insurance documents can be forged. You buy a car only to find it was stolen or has a loan against it.

Defence: Verify ownership via the Parivahan website (parivahan.gov.in) using the vehicle's registration number.

Scam 7: The Emergency Overseas Seller

"I'm currently abroad, courier the item and I'll pay on delivery." There's no delivery, and the item is gone.

Defence: Only deal with sellers you can meet in person. Courier-based deals are almost always scams.

If you encounter a scam, report it immediately via the listing's Report button or WhatsApp us at +91 74839 59021. You can also file a cyber crime complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.