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Classified ads fraud: how to get your money back

Paid on classified ads but the goods never arrive, or you were ripped off while selling? What matters is how it was paid: with 'secure payment' you are protected, with a direct bank transfer it gets harder.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

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Your chances of getting your money back

Paid via 'secure payment' (the payment function of the classifieds platform)? Then buyer protection applies, giving good chances.
Paid directly by bank transfer or 'PayPal friends' to the seller? No buyer protection. Call your bank IMMEDIATELY (recall) and file a criminal complaint.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Clarify the payment method and act fast

    For 'secure payment': report the case directly in the classifieds platform. For a bank transfer: ask your bank for a recall immediately.

  2. 2

    2. Report the seller and the ad

    Report the user and the ad to the classifieds platform so the profile is blocked and others are warned.

  3. 3

    3. Secure evidence

    Screenshots of the chat, the ad, the profile and the payment receipt, before the ad is deleted.

  4. 4

    4. File a criminal complaint

    File a report via your state police's online station, with the secured evidence.

How to spot the scam

  • The seller insists on payment by bank transfer or 'PayPal friends'.
  • You get a 'secure payment' link by email or text; this is often phishing (the real process runs INSIDE the app).
  • Goods clearly too cheap, the seller pushes for haste.
  • As a seller: a 'buyer' sends too much money and wants the difference back (a classic scam).

Frequently asked questions

Am I protected with 'secure payment'?

Yes, the classifieds platform's payment function includes buyer protection. Important: the process runs INSIDE the app; 'secure payment' links sent by email or text are often phishing.

I paid directly by bank transfer, what now?

Call your bank immediately and ask for a recall of the transfer. Secure all evidence and file a criminal complaint.

What is the 'overpaid' scam?

A supposed buyer (apparently) transfers too much and asks you to pay back the difference; the original payment later bounces. Never pay anything back before the money is genuinely and finally in your account.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.