Spotting Fake Listings

A fake listing is designed to extract a deposit or your details for an item that doesn't exist. The tells are consistent once you know what to look for.

Too cheap, too perfect

A high-demand item priced far below everything else is bait. Genuine bargains exist, but a price that makes no sense usually means the item doesn't either. Pair that with stock-looking photos (reverse-image-search them) and a brand-new account, and you're looking at a fake.

They can't meet — but want a deposit

The seller is "travelling", "deployed", or "moving" and can't meet, but will "ship" if you send a deposit or use a specific payment method first. For local classifieds, inability to meet plus a request for upfront money is the fake-listing signature. No legitimate local sale needs a deposit before you've seen the item.

Verify before any money moves

Ask for a specific extra photo (the item next to today's handwritten note), insist on an in-person look, and keep contact on-platform. Real sellers oblige; fakes evaporate or escalate the pressure. If you can't verify it exists and meet to see it, don't pay a cent.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a classifieds listing is fake?
Red flags: a price far below market, stock-looking or reverse-image-searchable photos, a brand-new account, a seller who can't meet in person, and any request for a deposit or upfront payment before you've seen the item.
A seller wants a deposit to "hold" an item — should I pay?
No. For local classifieds, a deposit before you've seen the item is a hallmark of a fake listing. Insist on seeing it in person first and pay only at handover.
How do I check if listing photos are real?
Reverse-image-search them — stolen or stock photos appearing elsewhere signal a fake. Also ask for a specific extra photo (e.g. the item with a handwritten note of today's date), which scammers can't provide.
The deal looks too good — is it a scam?
Often, yes. A high-demand item priced far below everything comparable is usually bait. Verify the item exists, meet in person, and never pay before you've seen it.

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