8 common scammer patterns on local marketplaces

Last updated: August 24, 2026.

The overwhelming majority of buyers and sellers on a local marketplace are ordinary people — but the small handful of repeat offenders reuse the same scripts. These 8 patterns are worth knowing by heart:

1. Overpayment / "my assistant will pick up" + fake e-transfer screenshot.
2. Pressure to move off-platform chat immediately.
3. "I'll pay first, just confirm this code" — the code is a verification code for YOUR account; never read codes to anyone.
4. Fake payment confirmation emails (check your bank app, not email).
5. The too-good buyer: no questions, instant full price, weird shipping request — local platform means local pickup; decline shipping.
6. Cancelled e-transfer after leaving (accept Auto-deposit only, wait for "deposited").
7. Counterfeit cash on evening trades (see How to spot fake Canadian bills).
8. Identity bait ("send your address/ID first").

Rule of thumb: anything that adds urgency, third parties, or off-platform steps is a red flag — slow down or walk away.

If an account pulls any of these, report it; reports feed reputation and keep the platform safer for everyone.