Purchase Scam
Paying for goods, vehicles, or bookings online that never arrive, and never existed.
What is a purchase scam?
A purchase scam happens when you pay for something online, a car, a rental property, concert tickets, electronics, that turns out not to exist, or never arrives. The listing looks genuine, the price is attractive, and the seller is often responsive right up until the payment clears.
How it works
- 1
You find a listing, on a marketplace, social media, or a standalone website, at a price that seems like a great deal.
- 2
The seller responds quickly and is happy to answer questions, building your confidence.
- 3
You're asked to pay directly by bank transfer, or to move the conversation off the platform where buyer protection applies.
- 4
Reasons are given for why a viewing, inspection, or meeting in person isn't possible right now.
- 5
Once payment is sent, the seller stops responding, and the item or property was never real.
Warning signs to watch for
A price that's noticeably lower than similar genuine listings
A seller who insists on bank transfer rather than a protected payment method
Reluctance to meet in person, allow an inspection, or use a platform's built-in payment system
A listing or seller account that's very new, with little or no history
Generic, templated responses that don't quite answer your specific questions
How to protect yourself
Use platforms with built-in buyer protection, and avoid moving payment off-platform
Avoid direct bank transfers to individuals you don't know
Insist on inspecting goods, or viewing a property, before paying anything
Search the listing's photos and text online. They're sometimes copied from other legitimate ads
Has this already happened to you?
Contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible. Payments made by card often have far stronger chargeback protection than bank transfers. Report the listing to the platform it appeared on, and keep every message and payment record. Then reach out to us for a free eligibility check.
Purchase Scam questions
I paid by bank transfer, not card. Is recovery still possible?
It's harder than with a card payment, but not always impossible. We'll assess your case honestly and let you know what's realistic.
The seller has disappeared or blocked me. Now what?
That doesn't prevent an investigation. Report the listing and seller to the platform and your bank regardless, and keep every message you still have.
What if I already left negative feedback or reported the listing?
That's useful. Keep records of it, it can serve as supporting evidence for your case.
Can you help with large purchase scams, like vehicles or property?
Yes. Larger purchase scams are exactly the kind of case worth a free eligibility check.
Other scam types
“I'd basically given up on ever seeing that money again. They proved me wrong.”
— Grace L., client
Think this might be what happened to you?
Start with a free eligibility check, we'll tell you honestly whether there's a case worth pursuing.