Skip to content
New: AI verdicts in plain language.
Scampilot
← All guidesGuide

Classifieds & marketplace scams

By the Scampilot team · Last updated

On classifieds platforms (Kleinanzeigen, Facebook Marketplace), scammers target both sellers and buyers: a fake "secure payment" link supposedly from the platform harvests your card data, an invented courier or shipping company demands fees, a buyer "overpays" and wants the difference back, or the chat is pulled to WhatsApp where the platform can no longer protect you.

Warning signs

  • A "secure payment" or "receive money" link sent in chat - real platforms pay out without you entering card data via a link.
  • The other side immediately wants to leave the platform chat for WhatsApp or email.
  • A courier or shipping company you have never heard of demands an insurance or release fee.
  • A buyer pays too much "by mistake" and urgently wants the difference refunded.
  • The buyer wants to buy unseen, today, and asks for your card number to "transfer" money.

Example

Hi, I want to buy your item. I have paid via the shipping company including insurance. Click the link to receive your money and confirm with your card details: hxxp://kleinanzeigen-secure-pay.net

Made-up example - not a real message.

How to protect yourself

  1. 01Stay in the platform chat and use only the platform's built-in payment flow - never a link someone sends you.
  2. 02As a seller you never need to enter card data to receive money.
  3. 03Hand over locally for cash, or ship only after payment has fully cleared.

Already caught out?

  1. 01Block your card at once if you entered card data, and watch for charges.
  2. 02Report the profile to the platform so the account is removed.
  3. 03Keep the chat history and file a police report.

Sources

Related guides

Advance-fee (419) schemesA stranger offers you a share of a large sum - an inheritance, unclaimed funds, a business deal - if you first pay a "pr… Refund & overpayment scamsYou are told you are owed a refund (tax, subscription, parcel) and must "confirm" bank details to receive it - or a buye… Fake online shopsA professional-looking web shop offers branded goods at unbeatable prices, but only accepts prepayment by bank transfer.…

Unsure about a specific message?

Paste it in - Scampilot checks text, links and numbers and explains the verdict.

Check it now