Safety Guide: How to Spot Scams When Shopping Second-Hand Online

The global second-hand market is set to reach over $400 billion globally by 2028, with $73 billion projected in the U.S. alone. It’s hardly surprising—you can find unique and hard-to-find items at budget-friendly prices, the demand for which only grows during shopping peaks like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas.

Unfortunately, with this growth comes a rise in scams. Scammers are capitalizing on the popularity of second-hand shopping and the upcoming holidays with fake listings, phishing schemes, and payment scams to target buyers and sellers alike.

This article offers essential tools to help you navigate second-hand marketplaces safely. Learn common scam tactics, red flags to watch for, and protective steps to keep your personal data secure while you get thrifting.

Use a VPN to Protect Second-Hand Electronics

If you’re shopping for second-hand electronics or gaming consoles, consider setting up a VPN on them once they’re yours. For example, using a VPN for PS5 on your new PlayStation 5 can help secure your gaming sessions and keep your personal data safe from hackers. That way, you can enjoy your second-hand buys worry-free after snagging a great deal.

Are Second-Hand Sites Safe?

Second-hand shopping sites aren’t inherently dangerous, but the risk of encountering scams varies widely by platform, and the process for resolving issues also differs. It’s worth being aware of these differences before using a particular platform.

According to a 2024 study by Which?, about one-third of buyers and one-fifth of sellers reported being scammed on a second-hand marketplace over the previous two years. Scam rates differ by platform: Depop tops the list with a 57% scam rate among buyers, followed closely by Shpock (53%), Preloved, and Nextdoor (both at 51%). Amazon Marketplace reported 35%, Gumtree and eBay each had 29%, while Facebook Marketplace and Vinted recorded lower rates, at 24% and 22% respectively.

Support policies also vary widely when it comes to scam resolution. Platforms where sales are carried out face-to-face and often paid in cash (like on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist) generally offer no buyer protection. Of course, this raises scam risks, so you need to be particularly vigilant if this is how you’re shopping. If you buy something on the Facebook platform itself and use the Facebook-approved purchase process (generally referred to as “Checkout”) and shipping, you’re generally covered by Facebook Purchase Protection. However, you’re also much less likely to find second-hand items there.

Vinted has a limited two-day window for reporting issues, while others (like eBay) offer more generous time limits to help secure refunds if problems arise. In many cases, protection policies are now built into platforms to assist users in case of scams, though availability and effectiveness differ across countries.

The Most Common Marketplace Scams

With the popularity of second-hand shopping, scammers have developed multiple tactics to exploit both buyers and sellers. Here are some of the most common types of scams:

For Buyers

Fake Listings

Scammers post listings for items that don’t exist or are somehow not as they’re presented. Buyers may receive nothing at all, an empty parcel, or an item of poor quality that doesn’t match the description. For instance, a buyer might purchase a high-end handbag and end up with a low-quality knock-off or no item at all.

Counterfeit Goods

Popular branded items (electronics and fashion items are especially prone to this) are sometimes sold as authentic but turn out to be fake. A classic example: a buyer thinks they’re getting a great deal on a designer watch, only to realize that it’s a counterfeit on delivery—or perhaps never realize!

Phishing

Scammers send emails or messages that appear to be from the platform, asking buyers to “verify” their login or payment details so they can steal personal information. For example, a buyer might get a message claiming there’s an issue with their account, directing them to a fake login page that captures their credentials.

Data Exposure

Sharing personal details with a scammer can lead to data exploitation. Scammers may use these details for phishing attempts or identity theft. For instance, a buyer might provide a phone number to the seller who later uses it to send phishing texts unrelated to the actual purchase. Why stop at one crime, after all?

For Sellers

It’s not just buyers who are at risk—around 20% of sellers have reported being scammed as well! Common scams for sellers include:

Inflated Payment Schemes

A buyer “overpays” (often via a fake check or a disputed payment), and then asks for a refund of the difference before the payment clears. For example, a seller might receive $300 for a $200 item, and refund the “extra” $100, only to find the original $300 payment was fraudulent. Now they’ve lost both $100 as well as their product.

False Claims of Non-Receipt

Some buyers lie that an item was never received, forcing sellers to send a refund even when the item was delivered. Marketplaces will often side with buyers even with little evidence to back their claims, making sellers particularly vulnerable to this.

Chargebacks

After receiving a product, a buyer files a chargeback with their bank, claiming the transaction was unauthorized. This leaves the seller without payment and, often, without a clear way to retrieve the item or the money they’re owed. It’s a double-whammy that can be especially devastating with big-ticket items.

How to Spot and Avoid a Second-Hand Shopping Scam

Once you’re ready to shop, it’s important to assess each listing carefully

1. Red Flag: Suspiciously Low Prices 

A strangely low price is often the first red flag. Scammers try to lure in buyers with prices that seem too good to pass up, only to deliver fake or non-existent goods. If you see a listing priced significantly below your expectations, compare it to other listings to see if the discount seems reasonable. Sometimes, sellers have legitimate reasons for marking an item down (like damage or time constraints), but a trustworthy seller will usually provide an explanation.

2. Red Flag: Seller Profile Concerns

The seller’s profile can provide other hints. Here are key aspects to watch for:

    • Established History: Check for established profiles with a clear history, previous transactions, and a mix of detailed feedback from other buyers. 
    • Feedback Mix: Beware of profiles that are newly created, have little to no transaction history, or have overly positive reviews that sound suspiciously generic. 
    • New or Generic Profiles: Real reviews often offer a nuanced description of an item, with a mix of positives and negatives—if all reviews sound like glowing, “salesy” endorsements without specifics, they should raise alarm bells. 

3. Red Flag: Listing Photos

Another key detail is the listing photos. Scammers often use:

    • Blurry or Vague Images: These can be used to obscure details or authenticity. 
    • Stock or Reused Images: Scammers may use stock photos or images that appear in multiple listings. Running a reverse image search with Google’s reverse image search or TinEye can help verify if the photos have been used elsewhere. If so, there’s a good chance it’s a scam (or a very lazy seller).

How to Protect Yourself When Shopping for Second-Hand Goods

Shopping second-hand online can be a fantastic way to find unique items at lower prices, but it also requires a certain level of caution to avoid scams. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Preparing for Safe Transactions

Before you even start browsing, it’s helpful to set up some basic protections:

Strong, Unique Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your marketplace accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep them organized.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if they get hold of your password. It’s also a good idea to check your accounts regularly for any unusual activity, such as unauthorized bank transactions or changes to your profile details.

Understand Platform Policies

Platforms like eBay, Depop, and Vinted have their own guidelines for buyer and seller protection, which can be a lifeline if a transaction goes wrong. Some platforms, such as Vinted, have a very limited window for reporting issues, while others (especially if the sale is made off-platform) offer almost no protections at all. Understanding these details in advance can help you navigate any issues that arise.

Use a VPN

When shopping for second-hand goods—especially on public or shared Wi-Fi—your personal and payment information could be at risk. CyberGhost VPN encrypts your connection, keeping hackers out and your data private. Whether you’re browsing for electronics, gaming consoles like the PS5, or any other item, CyberGhost VPN gives you the confidence to shop securely and protect what matters most.

Navigating Transactions Safely

Once you begin interacting with a seller, additional caution is necessary: 

Keep Communication on the Platform

Scammers often push for communication off-platform to avoid oversight. To keep your transactions safe, keep all communication within the platform’s messaging system, where it can be documented and reviewed if needed.

Use Official Payment Methods 

Cryptocurrency or gift card payments are impossible to recover if something goes wrong, so don’t let a seller sway you with promises of lower fees or other hypothetical benefits. The platform’s payment options often include built-in protections that make it easier to resolve disputes and trace your transaction if needed.

Minimize Personal Information Sharing

Only provide personal details, like your full name, address, or phone number if absolutely necessary. For face-to-face transactions, use the integrated marketplace messaging features to communicate, and only share your address if you’re confident in the other party’s legitimacy (or better yet, don’t). Minimizing personal data sharing can reduce your exposure to identity theft and follow-up scams.

Consider a Separate Email Address

Using a dedicated email for an online marketplace account can prevent phishing attempts from reaching your primary email. It also makes it easier to spot spam and scams.

Questions to Ask Sellers

To further assess the legitimacy of a listing, here are some questions you could ask the seller to get a better sense of what’s what:

QuestionPurpose
“Can you provide additional photos of the item?”Verifies that the item exists, matches the description, and shows angles that may be initially hidden.
“Is there any damage not shown in photos?”Helps reveal any unlisted damage by encouraging honesty from the seller.
“Are you open to meeting in X safe spot?”Ensures safety for face-to-face purchases; legitimate sellers are usually agreeable to public locations.
“Could you provide an item receipt or proof of purchase?”Useful for confirming authenticity, especially for branded or high-value items.
“Are there any accessories or original packaging included?”Important for items like electronics, where extras (chargers, manuals, packaging) add value.

Of course, answers to any of the above don’t necessarily mean that the seller is being honest or that a scam won’t occur down the line. However, a lot of the time you can get a general gut feeling about the seller’s legitimacy by simply having a chat with them. 

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve been scammed when second-hand shopping online, acting quickly can make a big difference in recovering your funds or securing your accounts. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Take Immediate Action

    • Contact the platform: Start by reporting the scam to the platform where the purchase occurred. Most platforms have dedicated channels for handling fraud cases who will advise you on which steps to take. Look for support or resolution centers on the platform—there you should be able to file a formal complaint and provide details about the scam.
    • Stop payment and freeze accounts: If the payment is still pending, contact your bank or payment provider to attempt to stop it. If the payment has already gone through, let your bank know about the incident; there’s a chance they can flag the transaction for further investigation or even outright reverse the transaction. If you used a credit card, there’s a chance you’ll have some form of built-in fraud protection (some cards even offer zero liability protection so you’re not on the hook even if you made a mistake).
    • Document the incident: Gather all evidence of the transaction, including screenshots of the listing, messages with the seller, and any payment receipts or emails related to the sale. These records will be essential for any platform dispute, police report, or bank inquiry, as they offer a clear timeline and proof of the transaction.
    • Watch out for secondary scams: Unfortunately, being scammed once isn’t always the end of it. Scammers sometimes target recent victims by posing as support agents or offering fake “recovery services.” Additionally, be cautious when searching for help online; scammers create fake support sites that they push to the top of search engine results via paid ads. Ensure you’re always going through an official channel.

Report the Scam to Authorities

If you’re unable to resolve the issue through the platform, or if the scam involves a significant amount of money, it’s worth reporting to your local authorities. For internet crimes, many countries have dedicated reporting channels:

    • Local police: Especially if the seller claims to be in the same country, you can report the incident to local law enforcement. Some police departments have cybercrime units specifically for handling online fraud cases.
    • Internet crime reporting: In the U.S., you can report internet crimes to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and in the U.K., Action Fraud handles online fraud reporting. This step is particularly helpful if the scam involves identity theft or personal data exposure.

However, keep your expectations low—in many cases, scammers will be from a country other than yours, and there’s not much local law enforcement can actually do about it. 

Secure Your Accounts and Enhance Online Safety

Depending on how the scam occurred, consider additional cybersecurity steps to protect yourself from further risks:

    • Change passwords: If you suspect your account information may have been compromised, update your passwords immediately.
    • Check for unauthorized activity: Review your bank and online accounts to ensure no additional unauthorized transactions have been made. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your bank or payment provider.
    • Review online safety practices: Scams can be a valuable learning experience for future protection. Make sure to review online safety tips, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions (or using a VPN like CyberGhost while doing so), and sticking to secure payment methods on trusted platforms.

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