If a seller appears fraudulent, stop additional payments, save the listing and receipts, and contact the marketplace and payment provider through their official support channels. A delayed delivery alone does not establish fraud; use the order facts to describe the problem.
Check the seller and payment request
- Look for contact details, shipping terms, and a return policy that explains who handles problems.
- Read reviews from multiple sources rather than relying on a star rating.
- Be wary of a seller who pressures you to leave the marketplace’s payment system.
- Pause if a seller requires gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer to secure an ordinary purchase.
An HTTPS address means the connection is encrypted. It does not prove that the business is legitimate. The FTC also warns that unusually low prices and misleading reviews can make risky listings look attractive.
If you already paid
- Save the product page, promised delivery date, order confirmation, payment reference, and messages.
- For a delivery or product dispute, contact the seller through the platform and state the outcome you want. Avoid further payment or sensitive disclosures if you suspect fraud.
- Open the marketplace’s support or buyer-protection process and note its deadline.
- Contact the card issuer or payment provider about available dispute options. Do not wait through repeated promises until a deadline passes.
Choose the guide that matches the problem
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| A real order has not arrived | Follow our order-never-arrived guide for delivery and billing issues. |
| The seller refuses a refund | Use our refund-refused guide to organize the terms and your request. |
| The seller disappeared or demands more suspicious payments | Follow the scam response checklist and contact your payment provider. |
| Someone used your debit card without permission | Use our unauthorized-charge guide. |
Marketplaces differ in the protections they offer. Check the specific policy for your item, seller, and payment method.
Report a suspected fraudulent seller
Report suspected fraud at the FTC’s official ReportFraud website. Also notify the platform where the contact or listing appeared. A fraud report does not replace contacting your payment provider or securing an affected account.
Describe the facts: the item advertised, amount paid, promised delivery, what arrived, and the seller’s response. Avoid claiming a crime as an established fact when you are reporting a suspicion.
Common questions
Does a marketplace guarantee every purchase?
No. Read its coverage, exclusions, payment rules, and deadlines before relying on buyer protection.
Is a missing package always a scam?
No. Shipping errors and ordinary disputes happen. Use the transaction records to decide which support route fits.
Should I pay another fee to get a refund?
Do not send money because an unverified seller says it will release a refund. Contact the platform or payment provider.
Keep going
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Sources and page information
Official source links checked September 26, 2026. Requirements can change; use the relevant agency’s current instructions.
Prepared with AI assistance. Examples and worksheets are illustrative. This is general information, not legal advice. We do not submit complaints, determine eligibility, or guarantee a result.