Scam types in Australia
Marketplace scams work in both directions. As a buyer you are asked for a deposit on something you cannot inspect; as a seller you are asked to accept a payment link from a courier who does not exist.
One rule handles nearly all of it: never pay for a property or an item you have not seen, and never leave the platform's own payment system because the other person asks. This page includes a genuine exchange as well, so you can see how ordinary a safe one looks.
Also called Facebook Marketplace scam, Gumtree scam, rental bond scam, fake courier payment link, buyer overpayment scam
3 example messages — 2 scams, 1 genuine. Every one is invented for practice, and each links to a page explaining exactly what gives it away.
Marketplace listing Rental scam
The inspection is popular1. Pay a $450 holding deposit today2 and I’ll remove the listing. I’m interstate3, so we can arrange keys after payment4.
Marketplace listing Safe exchange (genuine)
Happy to meet at South Bank station tomorrow. You can inspect the camera and pay after you’re happy with it.
Everything a scam needs is missing.
What does a safe Marketplace exchange look like?Marketplace listing Off-platform payment
I can post the tickets tonight. The marketplace checkout isn’t working1, so please use this courier payment link instead2.
I can’t meet, I’m working away all week3.