How to Avoid Online Marketplace Scams in Australia (2026 Guide)
How to Avoid Online Marketplace Scams in Australia (2026 Guide)
Australians continue to lose millions of dollars each year to online marketplace scams, according to data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) through its Scamwatch service. As more buying and selling moves online in 2026, knowing how to identify and avoid scams has become essential for anyone using digital marketplaces.
The ACCC states that scams targeting online buyers and sellers remain one of the most commonly reported categories of fraud in Australia. These scams affect people of all ages and regions and occur on social media platforms, classifieds websites, and community-based marketplaces.
This guide explains who is targeted, what types of scams are most common, when and where they occur, why they succeed, and how Australians can protect themselves.
Who Is Being Targeted?
Scammers target:
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Buyers looking for discounted or hard-to-find items
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Sellers advertising high-value goods such as cars, phones, and electronics
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First-time marketplace users
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Regional and local community sellers
The ACCC has noted that scams affect Australians regardless of age or experience. “Anyone can be targeted, and no one is immune,” Scamwatch reports.
What Are Online Marketplace Scams?
Online marketplace scams occur when criminals pretend to be legitimate buyers or sellers in order to:
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Steal money
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Obtain personal or financial information
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Take over accounts
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Receive goods without payment
Common scam types include:
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Fake payment confirmations
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Requests to move communication off the platform
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Phishing links pretending to be payment systems
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Overpayment scams using stolen cards
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Fake listings using stolen photos
When and Where Do These Scams Happen?
Scams occur year-round but often increase:
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During holiday seasons
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At tax time
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When demand for certain items rises (cars, electronics, tools)
They happen on:
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Online classifieds
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Social media marketplaces
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Community trading websites
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Messaging apps linked from listings
Scammers usually operate quickly, often pressuring users to act before they can verify details.
Why Do Marketplace Scams Work?
Scams succeed because they:
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Create urgency
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Imitate legitimate transactions
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Exploit trust between buyers and sellers
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Take advantage of unfamiliar payment systems
Scamwatch states that “scammers rely on emotional responses such as excitement, fear, or pressure to stop people from thinking clearly.”
How to Avoid Online Marketplace Scams
1. Keep All Communication on the Platform
Legitimate buyers and sellers usually communicate within the marketplace system.
Requests to move to private email, SMS, or messaging apps should be treated with caution.
2. Never Click Payment Links Sent by Buyers
Scammers often send fake payment pages that look legitimate.
Always log in directly to your marketplace account to check payment status.
Scamwatch advises:
“Do not rely on screenshots or email confirmations. Always check payments in your own account.”
3. Be Cautious with Unusual Payment Requests
Red flags include:
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Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency
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Requests to “upgrade” your account
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Claims that extra fees must be paid to release funds
These are common scam tactics.
4. Inspect Profiles Carefully
Check:
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Account age
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Previous activity
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Profile completeness
New or incomplete accounts should be approached carefully.
5. Meet in Safe, Public Locations
For in-person transactions:
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Meet in busy public areas
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Bring another person if possible
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Avoid giving out your home address
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Do not share personal documents
6. Never Share Personal or Financial Information
Do not provide:
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Bank login details
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ID documents
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Verification codes
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One-time passwords
No legitimate buyer or seller requires this information.
7. Trust the Platform’s Payment System
Use only the official payment methods provided by the marketplace.
Avoid direct transfers unless you personally know the buyer or seller.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Look out for:
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Urgent language
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Poor grammar or inconsistent details
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Requests to act quickly
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Refusal to meet or verify identity
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Offers that seem too good to be true
The ACCC states:
“If it feels rushed or unusual, stop and check before continuing.”
What to Do If You Are Targeted
If you suspect a scam:
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Stop communication immediately
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Do not send money or information
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Report the account to the platform
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Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
If money has been lost:
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Contact your bank immediately
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Change your passwords
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Monitor your accounts
Scamwatch advises that early reporting increases the chance of preventing further harm.
The Importance of Awareness in 2026
As online marketplaces continue to grow in Australia, scammers are adapting their methods. Staying informed remains one of the most effective forms of protection. Clear verification, careful payment practices, and cautious communication help reduce risk for both buyers and sellers.
The ACCC emphasises that education is critical. “The more people know about how scams work, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.”
By understanding how online marketplace scams operate and by following basic safety principles, Australians can reduce their risk and continue to use digital marketplaces with greater confidence in 2026.
