Selling online? How fake buyers cheat sellers
Selling a phone, furniture or a vehicle online should be simple. But fake buyers target sellers because sellers are in a hurry and want the deal done. A few simple habits take away most of the risk.
Why it matters
Fake buyers do not need a hacked account. They need you to click, scan or share something. Once money leaves your account or a code is shared, getting it back is hard.
Common tricks
- Scan to receive: a QR code or payment request that actually debits you.
- Wrong amount sent: the buyer 'accidentally' sends too much and asks for a refund while the first payment is fake or reversed.
- Fake screenshots: a payment screenshot with no money in your account.
- Advance courier trick: the buyer asks you to pay a small 'courier fee' first.
- Army or official ID: the buyer claims a posting and asks for urgent action.
- Link to a lookalike site: you are asked to enter card or bank details to 'receive' the payment.
A safe routine
- Never scan or approve anything to receive money.
- Check your own bank or UPI app, not a screenshot, before handing over the item.
- Meet in a public place for local sales, or use the platform's own protected payment.
- Do not share OTPs, PINs or card details, ever.
- Check the buyer's name against the payment name.
- Take a video call with the buyer for high-value items.
- Keep chats and receipts in case you need to report.
Warning signs
- Pressure to move off the platform to another app
- Buyer unwilling to meet or speak live
- Payment arrives from a different name
- Urgency with excuses about travel or posting
How Praman helps
Praman by SatyaSakshi helps sellers of high-value items confirm who they deal with. The buyer joins a short WhatsApp video call, shows ID and completes a face match and liveness check, and the name is compared with the payer. A bank or UPI name check can be added where enabled, and the record helps if a dispute arises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common fake buyer scam?
The buyer sends a payment link or QR code and asks you to 'scan to receive money'. Scanning only ever takes money out of your account.
Should I take advance payments?
Take payment only through your own app, and confirm it has reached your account before handing over anything.
What if I already shared a code or paid?
Contact your bank immediately and report on the National Cybercrime Portal or helpline 1930.
Related: how Praman handles this for businesses · all instant checks
Check before you trust, with SatyaSakshi Praman
A WhatsApp link, a short video call with consent, and a report reviewed by SatyaSakshi investigators.
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