Protect yourself and your items from fraud on classified sites.
While the vast majority of Exchstore users are genuine, it’s important to know the warning signs of a fake buyer so you can stay safe every time you sell.
Common Scam Patterns to Watch For
- Overpayment scams: Buyer “accidentally” sends more money than the price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment is fake — you lose the refund.
- Courier/shipping scams: Buyer can’t meet in person and insists on a specific courier. They send a fake payment screenshot and disappear once you ship.
- Urgent advance requests: Buyer asks you to hold the item with a deposit paid via a link they send. The link is fraudulent.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Buyer offers full price immediately with no questions asked and pushes you to complete off-platform.
Red Flags Checklist
- New account with no profile photo or rating
- Refuses to meet in person or video call
- Insists on paying via unusual methods (gift cards, crypto)
- Asks you to communicate outside Exchstore immediately
- Sends payment “proof” screenshots instead of real confirmation
- Offers to pay more than the listed price
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Golden Rule Never hand over your item until payment is physically in your hand (cash) or you can confirm the bank credit in your own banking app — not from a screenshot sent by the buyer.
Best Practices for Safe Transactions
- Always meet in a public, well-lit place during daytime.
- Bring a friend or family member when meeting a stranger.
- Test electronics and verify cash before completing the exchange.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away.
Report Suspicious Users
If you encounter a suspicious buyer, use the Report button on their profile or on the chat. Our trust and safety team reviews all reports and takes action against scammers quickly.