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Online marketplaces can be a great way to score a deal or sell that unused phone that’s been sitting in your drawer or an old box of children’s toys that have been getting dusty. While they offer excellent opportunities for both buyers and sellers, they also attract scammers. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant when using these platforms.
Here are some top tips and warning signs to help you stay safe and buy and sell with confidence.
Buying safely on online marketplaces
Red flags:
- Too-good-to-be true prices: if the price seems unrealistically cheap, it’s probably a scam
- Seller insists on moving the conversation or payment to another platform: this can be a tactic to avoid detection
- Seller refuses a public meet-up: instead, they insist on meeting at a private residence or secluded location
- Rushed or pushy behaviour: sellers pressuring you to pay quickly may be hiding something
Ways to protect yourself:
- Stick to secure payment methods: use a platform’s built in payment system for protection if available. For in-person transactions, use cash or verified e-transfer, never gift cards or crypto
- Examine listings and profiles carefully: look for vague descriptions or inconsistencies in listings. Check seller ratings, reviews, and how long their profile has been active
- Meet in a safe, public location: choose a well-lit, busy area such as a mall or cafe. Many police stations also offer safe exchange zones, and consider bringing a friend or sharing your plans
- Inspect items before you pay: Test electronics, check for hidden damage, and verify the items are authentic
Selling Safely on Online Marketplaces
Red flags:
- Buyer’s account was recently created and has little or no history: While this does not itself mean you are being scammed, more caution is needed
- Buyer offers or sends more than the asking price, or shares an unprompted story about themselves or why they need the item: this is often the start of an overpayment scam or counterfeit payment
- Buyer suggests unusual payment methods: such as gift cards, suspicious links, crypto, or anything outside trusted platforms like e-transfer or cash
- The buyer sends a link that requests your private banking information such as your bank password
How to protect yourself:
- Only accept cash or verified e-transfers and be extremely cautious of suspicious payment messages. For example, if you have e-transfer auto-deposit enabled, treat messages with links to accept the payment as a likely phishing attempt
- Be wary of unusual requests and avoid shipping items: Unless the marketplace offers a trusted shipping service with seller protections, never ship items before receiving payment. Requests to ship internationally or use unfamiliar couriers should be treated with caution
- Never share personal or sensitive information with the buyer, like your bank account details or home address
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Finally, for both buyers and sellers: trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s okay to end the conversation or cancel a meet-up.
Staying vigilant is one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to scams. If you come across a scam, check how to report it using our guide on How to report scams in Canada.
For more updates and scam alerts, explore our tips on Scam Prevention.