Guides covering Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Vinted, and eBay scams targeting UK buyers and sellers. Spot fake payment fraud, advance fees, and collection scams.
AutoTrader scams typically involve fake car listings created by criminals impersonating genuine sellers or using stolen seller accounts. Victims are persuaded to pay deposits or full purchase prices for vehicles that don't exist or aren't for sale.
Rightmove rental scams target renters searching for properties by impersonating legitimate landlords or agents. Scammers create fake listings or clone existing ones, then request deposits before you've viewed the property or signed a contract.
Fraudsters create fake Airbnb listings or hijack real accounts to steal deposits, collect advance payments for properties that don't exist, or harvest personal information. This guide shows you exactly what to watch for and how to verify genuine UK Airbnb properties before you book.
Preloved is a popular UK marketplace for second-hand goods, but scammers exploit it to trick buyers into paying for items that don't exist or transferring money outside the platform. This guide shows you exactly how these scams work and what steps to take to protect yourself.
eBay buyer scams trick you into sending money to criminals posing as legitimate sellers, or steal your payment details during checkout. This guide shows you exactly how these scams operate and what to do if you've been targeted.
Facebook Marketplace fake buyer scams target UK sellers by impersonating legitimate buyers, then either disappearing after payment or using fake payment confirmations to claim items without paying. This guide shows you exactly how these scams work and how to protect yourself.
Vinted buyer scams target UK sellers by impersonating legitimate buyers or creating fake payment schemes. Scammers either disappear after claiming payment or trick sellers into sending money for 'verification' before the sale completes.
Depop is a popular UK fashion resale app, but scammers exploit it heavily. This guide covers the main scam patterns affecting UK users: fake seller accounts, off-platform payment demands, counterfeit item sales, and account takeovers.
Vinted is a legitimate peer-to-peer marketplace, but scammers use fake seller and buyer accounts to steal money, personal details, or goods. This guide explains the most common Vinted fraud patterns and how to stay safe.
Facebook Marketplace scams cost UK buyers thousands every year through fake listings, fake payment systems, and non-delivery of goods. This guide shows you exactly how to verify sellers, spot red flags before you pay, and what to do if you've already sent money.
Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling items in the UK, but scammers are increasingly targeting unsuspecting users. This guide covers the most common scams, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself when using the platform.
Gumtree remains one of the UK's largest online marketplaces, but scammers frequently target buyers and sellers. This guide covers common fraud tactics including fake listings, payment schemes, overpayment tricks, and advance-fee scams. Discover practical steps to verify sellers, secure transactions, and report suspicious activity to stay safe.
Gumtree is one of the UK's largest classifieds platforms, but it attracts scammers targeting both buyers and sellers. This guide covers the most prevalent Gumtree scams, red flags to watch for, safe payment methods, and steps to take if you suspect fraudulent activity. Follow our advice to buy and sell safely.
This guide explains eBay's buyer protection programme for UK customers, including how to file claims for non-delivery and item not as described cases. Discover red flags to watch for, best practices when purchasing, and what to do if you fall victim to a scam on the platform.
Puppy scams have become increasingly common in the UK, with fraudsters using fake listings, stolen photos, and emotionally manipulative tactics to deceive buyers. This guide explains the warning signs of puppy scams, how scammers operate, steps to verify legitimate breeders, and what to do if you have been targeted. Protecting yourself involves meeting puppies in person, checking health certificates, and using secure payment methods.
Ticket scams are increasingly common in the UK, targeting fans eager to purchase concert, festival, and sports event tickets. Scammers use counterfeit tickets, phishing websites, and social media impersonation to defraud buyers. This guide explains the warning signs of ticket fraud, safe purchasing practices, and what to do if you have been scammed, including reporting to Action Fraud and your payment provider.
A practical guide to spotting common Marketplace fraud patterns for both buyers and sellers.