Prevention
Scam Prevention: Stop Fraud Before It Starts
Most scams rely on the same handful of tactics. Recognizing them is most of the battle.
Common Scam Tactics
Fake urgency
"This deal expires in an hour" pressure that skips your normal caution.
Advance payment
Deposits, "processing fees," or shipping charges paid before anything is delivered.
Impersonation
Fake profiles copying a real business, seller, or public figure.
Habits That Prevent Most Scams
- Check a trust score before any new transaction with a stranger.
- Verify identity where possible — see identity verification.
- Search scam reports for the name, number, or listing you're dealing with.
- Never send payment or personal information to move a conversation "off-platform."
- Slow down. Almost every real deal survives you taking an extra day to check.
If You Think You're Being Scammed Right Now
- Stop the transaction — don't send more money or information.
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately if money has already been sent; many can reverse or freeze a transfer if you act quickly.
- Save all evidence: messages, listings, usernames, and payment confirmations.
- Report the scam so the identity can be reviewed and factored into their trust score.
For everyday buying habits that prevent most of this from happening in the first place, see our buyer safety guide.