Risks: stolen, fake and scams

In reselling, a bad deal makes you lose money. Some can get you into legal trouble.

Stolen goods

Buying something knowing it is stolen is a crime (handling stolen goods), even if you didn’t steal it. And even if you didn’t know, if the owner turns up it can be taken from you and you lose the money. Warning signs:

• Price far below normal and a hurry to sell.
• No box, no receipt and the seller can’t explain where it came from.
• Phones locked or linked to someone else’s account. Ask for the phone to be removed from their account and check the IMEI isn’t blocked.
• Lots of new units of the same product with no explanation.

Fakes

Selling fake clothes, trainers or perfume as originals is illegal and gets your account closed. If you can’t tell the difference, don’t buy that brand. Be suspicious of “new with tags” at half price.

Scams when selling

• Payments outside the app: the scammer asks for your number to pay you “another way” or sends you a fake link to “get paid”. Always get paid inside the platform or in person.
• Fake payment proofs: don’t hand anything over until you see the real money in your account.
• “I’m returning a different product”: film the packing and write down the serial number of what you send.

Scams when buying

• Sellers with no ratings and prices that are too good.
• Being asked to pay by bank transfer or Bizum before seeing it.
• If it’s in person, meet in a public place and test it before paying.