E-commerce & Marketplace Scams: Shopping Safely Online
E-commerce scams occur on shopping platforms and classifieds, affecting both buyers and sellers. Buyers may pay for goods that never arrive; sellers may be tricked by fake payment confirmations or overpayment schemes.
A recurring tactic is moving the deal off-platform to chat apps, where buyer and seller protections disappear. Keeping transactions and conversations on the official platform is one of the strongest safeguards.
How the scam works
- 1A listing offers a popular item at an unusually low price to attract quick buyers.
- 2The seller asks you to pay directly via bank transfer or PayNow, off the platform.
- 3After payment, the goods never arrive and the seller becomes uncontactable.
- 4For sellers, a fake buyer sends a forged payment screenshot or a phishing link disguised as a payment confirmation.
- 5Overpayment scams send too much and request a refund of the difference before the original payment is reversed.
Common warning signs
- Prices far below market value on in-demand items.
- Pressure to complete the deal off-platform via chat and direct transfer.
- Sellers or buyers refusing platform escrow or protected payment options.
- Payment confirmation links or screenshots instead of funds actually received.
- Buyers overpaying and urgently requesting a partial refund.
Real-life examples
The following scenarios are fictional and generalised for illustration only.
The off-platform bargain
A buyer finds a discounted phone and is persuaded to PayNow the seller directly to skip platform fees. After paying, the listing disappears and the seller blocks him, with no platform protection to fall back on.
The seller's fake confirmation
A seller receives a screenshot showing payment and a link to release the funds. The link is a phishing page that captures her banking login, and no real payment was ever made.
How to protect yourself
- Keep payments and chats on the official platform with buyer or seller protection.
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Never click payment confirmation links; check your own bank app for received funds.
- Avoid direct transfers to strangers; use protected or escrow payment options.
- For overpayments, do not refund anything until the original payment fully clears.
- Check seller or buyer ratings, history and reviews before transacting.
What to do if you become a victim
- 1Report the listing and user to the platform immediately.
- 2Contact your bank to flag the transfer and attempt recovery.
- 3Lodge a police report and call 1799.
- 4If you clicked a link and entered details, change passwords and alert your bank.
- 5Keep all records, screenshots and order details for follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Explore our financial education resources
Borrow smart and stay safe. Compare loan options through a trusted platform, and read our guides on responsible borrowing in Singapore.
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