Criminals are exploiting sellers by using payment deception to steal items without paying from popular second hand and resale platforms online and on social media
16:43, 21 Feb 2026Updated 16:58, 21 Feb 2026
A Garda Lamp with a Garda Siochana logo seen outside Kevin Street District Garda Station in Dublin city center during Level 5 Covid-19 lockdown.
On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
An Garda Síochána have issued a warning regarding a rise in fraudulent activity on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and DoneDeal.
Criminals are exploiting sellers by using payment deception to steal items without paying. Kildare Gardaí said that there are a number of red flags to look out for when it comes to the scam.
“An Garda Síochána in Kildare are warning the public about a surge in fraud cases linked to online selling platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and DoneDeal,” they said. Sharing the details, they added that “criminals are counting on people not knowing how this works.”
The instant payment tactic involves the buyer insisting on a SEPA instant payment for the transaction. The buyer then feigns sending the money via a bogus or compromised account.
They will then send the seller a fake payment confirmation or screenshot. The seller hands over the goods, but the funds never actually clear.
By the time the seller realises the money never landed in their account, the scammer is long gone.
Cropped shot of courier person standing at front door, handing over a parcel to customer. Door to door courier service. Express delivery and online shopping.
Common issues that sellers are experiencing at the moment are:
Fake payment confirmationsPhishing for personal/banking detailsFraudulent “advance fees”Requests to move conversations off the platform
The Gardaí said that the golden rule to follow is to never hand over the goods that you have for sale without verifying that you have been paid for them. Check via your own banking app that you have secured the money and that the transaction ha fully cleared into your account.
Never hand over goods until the money is fully cleared in YOUR account.Do not rely on screenshots or payment “proof.”Avoid pressure tactics or rushed transactions.Keep communication within the platform.Trust your instincts — if it feels off, it probably is.
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