Marketplace Scams
Gumtree Scams UK: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Listings and Buyers
Gumtree is legitimate, but scammers use it. Here are the most common Gumtree scams targeting UK buyers and sellers, the warning signs, and how to stay safe.
Marketplace Scams
Guides covering Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Vinted, and eBay scams targeting UK buyers and sellers. Spot fake payment fraud, advance fees, and collection scams.
Latest marketplace scams
Marketplace Scams
Festival Camping Equipment Vinted Scam: UK Guide to Spotting Fake Sellers
Festival season brings a surge of fake camping equipment listings on Vinted, where scammers use stolen photos and pressure tactics to trick buyers into paying outside the app. This guide explains how the scam works and exactly what to check before buying.
Marketplace Scams
eBay Listing Fee Scam UK: Spot a Fake Notice
An email says you owe an unpaid eBay listing fee or your listing will be removed? Check My eBay or Seller Hub directly, not a link.
Marketplace Scams
Shpock Scam UK: Spot a Fake Deal Safely
Asked to pay a deposit before collecting on Shpock? Check the item in person first and keep payment links out of the chat.
Marketplace Scams
Etsy Scam Sellers UK: Spot Fakes & Buy Safely
Asked to pay an Etsy seller outside the site to 'save on fees'? That's the single biggest scam red flag on the whole platform.
Marketplace Scams
Autotrader Car Scam UK: Spot Fake Listings & Sellers
A cheap Autotrader car from a seller who can't meet and wants a deposit? Spot a fake listing, avoid 'escrow' cons, and report it in the UK.
Marketplace Scams
Rightmove Rental Scam UK: Spot Fake Property Listings
Renting a place you found on Rightmove? How to spot a fake listing or landlord, avoid losing a deposit to a 'pay to hold it' con, and report it in the UK.
Marketplace Scams
Airbnb Scam UK: Spot a Fake Listing
Found an Airbnb listing that asks you to pay outside the app before booking? How to spot a fake or hijacked Airbnb listing and book safely in the UK.
Marketplace Scams
Preloved Scam UK: Spot a Fake Seller or Listing
Buying on Preloved and asked to pay by bank transfer before you can view the item? How to spot a fake Preloved seller, buy safely, and report it.
Marketplace Scams
eBay Scams UK: How to Spot a Fake Buyer, Seller or Email
Asked to pay or deal outside eBay, or got an 'eBay' email about a held payment? How to spot the common eBay scams and keep your money protected.
Marketplace Scams
Facebook Marketplace Fake Buyer Scam UK
Selling on Facebook Marketplace and a 'buyer' sends a fake payment confirmation? How to spot a fake buyer, protect your sale, and report it in the UK.
Marketplace Scams
Vinted Buyer Scam UK: Spot Fake 'Payment' Cons
Selling on Vinted and a buyer wants to pay off-app or 'confirm your card'? How to spot a Vinted buyer scam, keep your payment safe, and report it.
Marketplace Scams
Depop Scams UK: Spot Fake Sellers & Off-App Payment Cons
Buying or selling on Depop? Spot fake sellers, hacked accounts, and 'pay me off-app' cons that strip your buyer protection — and how to report it.
Marketplace Scams
Vinted Scams UK: Warning Signs for Buyers and Sellers
Buying or selling on Vinted? The main risk on both sides is being pushed off the app — here's how Vinted's protection works and what to watch for.
Marketplace Scams
Facebook Marketplace Scam UK: Spot a Fake Seller
Buying on Facebook Marketplace and asked to pay by bank transfer before viewing the item? Spot a fake seller, buy safely, and report it in the UK.