The used electronics market offers incredible value, but it also attracts scammers looking to exploit uninformed buyers. This guide arms you with the knowledge to identify fraud before you become a victim. Whether you're buying on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or meeting in person, these principles will protect your money.
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The Golden Rule
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A "like new" iPhone at 40% below market price is almost certainly a scam, stolen, or has hidden problems.
Common Scam Types
Understanding how scammers operate is your first line of defense. Here are the most common schemes you'll encounter.
1. The Bait and Switch
How it works: Listing shows a high-end product at a great price. When you arrive or receive the item, it's a lower model, damaged version, or completely different product.
Example: Ad shows iPhone 15 Pro Max, you receive an iPhone 15 or a replica.
Protection: Always verify serial numbers before payment. Compare model numbers to the listing.
2. Payment Diversion Scam
How it works: Scammer asks you to pay outside the platform (Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, wire transfer) to "avoid fees." You lose all buyer protection.
Example: "PayPal fees are too high, just Zelle me and I'll ship today."
Protection: NEVER pay outside the platform. Zelle and wire transfers have zero buyer protection.
3. Empty Box / Wrong Item Scam
How it works: Shipped item arrives as an empty box, rocks, or a worthless item of similar weight. Scammer provides "proof" of shipping with tracking.
Example: Tracking shows delivered, but the box contains sand or books.
Protection: Record video of yourself opening the package. Require signature delivery. Buy with credit card for chargeback rights.
4. Counterfeit Products
How it works: Fake versions of popular electronics sold as genuine. Especially common with AirPods, cables, chargers, and batteries.
Example: "Brand new AirPods Pro" that are actually $15 Chinese clones.
Protection: Verify serial numbers with manufacturer. Test features that clones can't replicate.
5. Stolen Merchandise
How it works: Stolen items sold at low prices. Buyer may face legal issues, and devices can be remotely locked or blacklisted.
Example: iPhone with Find My still enabled, MacBook with firmware password.
Protection: Check IMEI against blacklist databases. Verify Find My/iCloud is disabled. Meet at police station.
6. The Overpayment Scam
How it works: "Buyer" sends a check for more than the asking price, asks you to refund the difference. Check bounces days later.
Example: Item is $500, they send $800 check, ask you to wire back $300.
Protection: Never accept overpayment. Never refund any portion before payment fully clears (takes 5+ days).
7. Deposit/Holding Fee Scam
How it works: Seller asks for deposit to "hold" item or cover shipping, then disappears.
Example: "Send $50 deposit via Zelle and I'll meet you tomorrow."
Protection: Never pay deposits on used electronics. Payment happens when you have the item.
Universal Red Flags
These warning signs apply across all platforms and transaction types. Any one of these should make you proceed with extreme caution.
🚨 Price Too Good
30%+ below market value for "perfect condition" is almost always a scam or stolen.
🚨 Stock Photos Only
Legitimate sellers photograph the actual item. Stock photos = red flag.
🚨 Won't Meet/Video Call
Refuses local meetup or video showing the item working.
🚨 Payment Pressure
"Many others interested" or "must sell today" urgency tactics.
🚨 Non-Standard Payment
Requests for wire transfer, gift cards, crypto, or off-platform payment.
🚨 New Account
Recently created profile with no history or reviews.
🚨 Won't Show Serial
Refuses to share serial number or IMEI for verification.
🚨 Inconsistent Story
Details change between messages, can't answer basic questions.
Spotting Counterfeit Electronics
Counterfeit electronics are a $4.5 trillion global problem. Here's how to spot fakes for the most commonly counterfeited items.
Apple AirPods - Most Counterfeited Product
Real AirPods:
- • Serial number verifies at checkcoverage.apple.com
- • Instant pairing animation on iPhone
- • "About This AirPods" appears in Settings
- • Spatial Audio works with supported content
- • Find My network integration works
Fake AirPods:
- • Serial number fails Apple verification
- • Generic Bluetooth pairing (no animation)
- • Poor sound quality, no ANC or weak ANC
- • Visible seams, misaligned text
- • Battery drains faster than spec
Phone Chargers and Cables
Counterfeit chargers are not just low quality - they're dangerous. They've caused fires and electrocution deaths.
Signs of Authentic:
- • UL, CE, or FCC certification marks
- • Consistent weight (fakes are lighter)
- • Clean text printing, no typos
- • Proper safety features built in
Counterfeit Signs:
- • Suspiciously light weight
- • Misspellings ("Samsang", "Appie")
- • Extremely low prices
- • Gets very hot during charging
Game Controllers
Fake DualSense, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers flood the market.
- Weight test: Genuine controllers are heavier due to proper motors and batteries
- Button feel: Fakes have mushy, inconsistent button presses
- Features: Haptics, adaptive triggers don't work or feel off on fakes
- Firmware: Real controllers receive official firmware updates
Verification Tool
Always verify serial numbers with official manufacturer tools:
- • Apple: checkcoverage.apple.com
- • Samsung: samsung.com/us/support/warranty
- • Sony: Contact support with serial
- • Microsoft: support.xbox.com/warranty
Checking for Stolen Goods
Buying stolen property - even unknowingly - can result in losing the item and potentially facing legal issues. Here's how to protect yourself.
For Phones and Cellular Devices
-
1
Get the IMEI Number
Dial *#06# on the phone or find in Settings > About Phone. Should match box if available.
-
2
Check Blacklist Status
Use free IMEI checkers: swappa.com/imei, imeipro.info, or carrier-specific tools.
-
3
Verify Carrier Status
Ask if phone is paid off. Phones with remaining payments can be reported stolen and blacklisted.
-
4
Check Activation Lock
For iPhones: Settings > [Name] > Find My should show OFF. For Android: Settings > Security > Find My Device.
For Laptops and Computers
- Apple MacBooks: Check for Activation Lock in Recovery Mode. Verify serial at checkcoverage.apple.com
- Windows laptops: Check for BIOS password. Enterprise laptops may have asset tags - verify they're not from a specific company.
- Chromebooks: Check for enterprise enrollment. Enrolled devices can be remotely wiped and locked.
For Game Consoles
- PlayStation: Ensure PSN account is signed out. Check for console bans by attempting online play.
- Xbox: Verify Xbox account is removed. Check for console bans at enforcement.xbox.com
- Nintendo Switch: Ensure Nintendo Account is unlinked. Check if console was reported stolen to Nintendo.
Warning Signs of Stolen Goods
- • Seller can't unlock the device or remove their account
- • No original box, receipt, or proof of purchase
- • Price is significantly below market value
- • Seller wants to meet in unusual locations, not near their home
- • Seller is evasive about how they obtained the item
- • Multiple high-value items being sold simultaneously
Platform-Specific Safety Guide
Facebook Marketplace
Safety Features:
- • View seller's profile and friend count
- • See mutual friends for trust
- • Check join date and activity
- • Message history preserved
Risks to Watch:
- • Fake profiles with stolen photos
- • No formal buyer protection
- • Shipping scams common
- • Meet in person when possible
Pro Tip: Use Facebook Pay for some buyer protection. Avoid Zelle/Venmo.
eBay
Safety Features:
- • Money Back Guarantee program
- • Detailed seller ratings
- • Managed payments protection
- • Item not received claims
Risks to Watch:
- • Empty box scams
- • Counterfeit items
- • Off-platform payment requests
- • Hijacked high-feedback accounts
Pro Tip: Only buy from sellers with 100+ feedback and 99%+ positive rating. Check recent reviews specifically.
Craigslist
Benefits:
- • Local, in-person transactions
- • Cash deals, no fees
- • Test before you buy
- • No account required
Risks to Watch:
- • Zero buyer protection
- • Robbery risk at meetups
- • Many scam listings
- • No seller verification
Pro Tip: Meet at police station or bank lobby. Bring a friend. Cash only, count in front of seller.
Swappa (Recommended for Phones)
Safety Features:
- • IMEI verification required
- • Staff reviews listings
- • No junk or broken devices
- • PayPal protection included
Why It's Safer:
- • Blacklist check automatic
- • Seller must show device working
- • Clear condition grades
- • Active moderation
Pro Tip: For phones and tablets, Swappa is our top recommendation. Worth the slightly higher prices.
Payment Protection Guide
| Payment Method | Buyer Protection | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Excellent - Chargeback rights | Best for online purchases |
| PayPal Goods & Services | Excellent - Buyer Protection | Great for online P2P |
| Cash (In Person) | None - But you verify first | OK if you test thoroughly |
| Debit Card | Limited - Some bank protection | Use credit instead if possible |
| Zelle | None - Designed for friends | NEVER use for strangers |
| Venmo (Personal) | None - No buyer protection | Avoid for purchases |
| Wire Transfer | None - Irreversible | NEVER use |
| Gift Cards | None - Instant scam | NEVER use - 100% scam |
Best Practice for Online Purchases
Use a credit card through a platform with buyer protection (eBay, Amazon, Swappa). This gives you double protection: credit card chargeback rights PLUS platform dispute resolution.
Meeting Safely In Person
In-person transactions let you test items before buying, but safety should always come first.
Safe Meeting Locations
- ✓ Police station lobby (many have "safe trade" spots)
- ✓ Bank lobby during business hours
- ✓ Coffee shop or mall food court
- ✓ Library entrance
- ✗ Seller's home (unless well-reviewed)
- ✗ Your home address
- ✗ Parking garages
- ✗ Isolated locations
Personal Safety Checklist
- 1 Bring someone with you. Two people are always safer than one.
- 2 Meet during daylight hours. Avoid evening or night meetups.
- 3 Tell someone your plans. Share location, time, and seller info with a friend.
- 4 Don't flash large amounts of cash. Bring exact amount or close to it.
- 5 Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave immediately.
- 6 Keep your phone accessible. Have emergency contacts ready.
Verifying Products Before Purchase
Every product category has specific verification steps. Use our detailed testing guides for comprehensive checks:
Phone Testing Guide
IMEI check, battery health, screen tests, all sensors
Laptop Testing Guide
Battery cycles, keyboard, screen, storage health
Monitor Testing Guide
Dead pixels, backlight bleed, color accuracy
Console Testing Guide
Disc drive, controllers, ban status, online features
Camera Testing Guide
Shutter count, sensor dust, autofocus, lens condition
All Testing Guides
Complete index of all product categories
Quick Verification Steps (All Products)
- 1. Match serial numbers: Serial on device = serial on box = serial in settings
- 2. Verify with manufacturer: Check warranty status and authenticity online
- 3. Test all functions: Don't skip anything - scammers count on rushed buyers
- 4. Check for locks: No activation locks, no passcodes, no enterprise enrollment
- 5. Verify accessories: If included, ensure chargers/cables are genuine
If You Get Scammed: Action Plan
Act quickly if you've been scammed. The faster you move, the better your chances of recovery.
Immediate Steps (Within 24 Hours)
-
1
Document Everything
Screenshot all messages, listing, profile, payment receipts. Save emails. Don't delete anything.
-
2
Contact Your Payment Provider
Credit card: Call immediately to dispute charge. PayPal: Open dispute in Resolution Center. Bank: Report fraud.
-
3
Report to the Platform
eBay, Facebook, Craigslist all have fraud reporting. Even if they can't help you, they may ban the scammer.
-
4
File Police Report
For significant amounts, file a police report. This helps with insurance claims and credit card disputes.
Additional Reporting Resources
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov - Federal Trade Commission
- IC3: ic3.gov - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- State AG: Your state Attorney General consumer protection division
- BBB: bbb.org/scamtracker - Better Business Bureau
Current Scam Trends (2026)
These are the most active scams we're seeing right now. Stay informed and stay safe.
AI-Generated Fake Listings
HIGH ACTIVITYScammers using AI to generate realistic product photos and descriptions. Always request timestamped photos with handwritten note.
QR Code Payment Scams
HIGH ACTIVITYSellers provide QR code that leads to phishing site or sends money to scammer. Never scan unknown QR codes for payment.
Shipping Insurance Scam
MODERATESeller asks for extra money for "shipping insurance" then disappears. Legitimate shipping insurance is included or paid through carrier.
Google Voice Verification Scam
MODERATE"Buyer" asks you to verify yourself by sharing a code sent to your phone. This lets them create a Google Voice number linked to you for future scams.
Warranty Transfer Scam
MODERATESeller claims item has transferable warranty but product is stolen or warranty is fake. Always verify warranty directly with manufacturer.
Stay Safe, Save Smart
The used electronics market offers incredible value when you know how to navigate it safely. Use this guide, trust your instincts, and never let a "great deal" override your judgment.