Guides from the top service providers
Depop
eBay
Facebook Marketplace
Gumtree
Vinted
Your essential guide to safe shopping online
Online marketplaces like Vinted, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop and Gumtree are brilliant for finding bargains and giving pre-loved items a new home. But whilst these platforms offer fantastic opportunities to save money, it's important to shop smartly to protect yourself from scams and disappointing purchases.
Here are our top tips for staying safe whilst shopping on online marketplaces.
Use the Platform's Payment System
Always pay through the platform's official payment system. Services like Vinted, eBay and Depop offer buyer protection when you use their payment methods, but this protection disappears the moment you agree to pay outside the platform.
Never:
Transfer money directly via bank transfer
Pay through friends and family options on PayPal (you lose buyer protection)
Send cash in the post
Use payment links sent outside the platform
If a seller pressures you to pay outside the platform – even if they offer a discount – walk away. This is a major red flag.
Check Seller Ratings and Reviews
Before making a purchase, take time to review the seller's profile. Look for:
A history of positive reviews
How long they've been on the platform
How they respond to negative feedback
Whether they're a verified seller (where applicable)
Be cautious of brand new accounts with no history, or sellers with multiple negative reviews mentioning non-delivery or misrepresented items.
If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
A designer handbag for £20? Brand new trainers at 90% off? Whilst genuine bargains do exist, extremely low prices are often a warning sign of:
Counterfeit goods
Stolen items
Scams where you'll never receive the item
Do a quick search to check typical prices for the item you're interested in. If the listing is significantly cheaper than others, proceed with extreme caution.
Read Descriptions Carefully and Ask Questions
Thoroughly read the full item description and examine all photos. Look for:
Signs of wear and tear
Accurate measurements or sizes
Details about flaws or damage
Clear photos from multiple angles
Don't hesitate to message the seller with questions before purchasing. Legitimate sellers will be happy to provide additional information or photos. If a seller is evasive or refuses to answer reasonable questions, that's a red flag.
Keep All Communication on the Platform
Scammers often try to move conversations off the platform to avoid detection. Keep all communication within the marketplace's messaging system. This:
Provides a record if something goes wrong
Allows the platform to spot suspicious behaviour
Protects your personal information
Maintains your buyer protection
Never share your email address, phone number or social media handles until after a successful transaction.
Understand Buyer Protection Policies
Each platform offers different levels of buyer protection. Take a few minutes to understand:
What's covered and what isn't
Time limits for raising disputes
How to report problems
The process for refunds
For example, eBay's Money Back Guarantee and Vinted's Buyer Protection can help if items don't arrive or don't match the description – but only if you've followed the platform's processes.
Be Cautious with Local Pickups
If you're collecting an item in person (common on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree):
Meet in a safe, public location during daylight hours
Bring someone with you if possible
Inspect the item thoroughly before handing over money
Let someone know where you're going
Trust your instincts – if something feels off, leave
Never invite strangers to your home or go to unfamiliar locations alone.
Watch Out for Common Scams
Fake payment confirmations: Scammers may send fake PayPal or bank transfer screenshots. Always verify payment has arrived in your account before sending items (if you're selling) or confirm through the platform's system (if you're buying).
Phishing messages: Be wary of messages claiming to be from the platform asking you to click links or provide login details. Always access your account directly through the official app or website.
Overpayment scams: If selling, beware of buyers who "accidentally" overpay and ask you to refund the difference. The original payment is often fraudulent.
Advance fee fraud: Never pay upfront fees to "secure" an item or for "delivery insurance" requested by the seller.
Save Everything
Keep records of:
All messages with the seller
Payment confirmations
Listing screenshots
Photos of items as described
Tracking information (for deliveries)
This documentation is invaluable if you need to raise a dispute or report a problem to the platform.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't let excitement about a bargain override your better judgement. There will always be other opportunities to find great deals from trustworthy sellers.