Anti-fraud guide

A request to complete everything outside the platform does not automatically mean fraud, but it can reduce the traceability of the transaction.

Be cautious when somebody insists on:

• immediately moving the conversation to another channel;
• using unusual or poorly traceable payment methods;
• bypassing the platform's normal procedures;
• paying through links sent in chat, SMS or email.

Before agreeing, ask yourself which protections you are giving up and what evidence would remain available if a dispute occurs.

Whenever Muviber provides an official payment or protection flow for a transaction, use only the process indicated by the platform.

Ask simple, concrete questions: origin, condition, serial number, defects, accessories and reason for sale.

It becomes suspicious when the seller:

• repeatedly avoids technical questions;
• changes their story about important details;
• refuses reasonable requests for additional photos;
• cannot describe an instrument they claim to own;
• responds with generic text that could apply to almost any product.

Answers should remain consistent with the photos and the listing itself.

If you have doubts, ask for specific material.

For a guitar: front and back of the headstock, serial number, frets, bridge and any declared damage.

For an amplifier: rear panel, speaker, serial number, rating plate and relevant visible components.

For a synth: powered-on display, keyboard, rear connections and a short video showing a few controls working.

The aim is not to interrogate the seller, but to verify that the photos, description and actual availability of the instrument are consistent.

Do not rely on screenshots, PDFs sent by the buyer, forwarded emails or messages claiming that the money will arrive later.

Access the service directly through its official app or website and check the actual transaction status.

If the payment is still pending, conditional or not visible in your account, do not ship until you fully understand the situation.

Verification must happen before you lose physical control of the instrument.

If a listing or message appears fraudulent, use the reporting tools available on Muviber.

Reports are particularly useful for:

• apparently stolen photos;
• inconsistent identities or descriptions;
• requests for passwords, OTPs or banking credentials;
• suspicious links;
• duplicate listings posted under different identities;
• repeated attempts to use unusual payment procedures.

A report does not automatically mean that a user is guilty of wrongdoing. It gives the platform more information with which to investigate.

If you have already paid and believe the transaction may be fraudulent:

• keep all messages and listing information;
• check the transaction status with the payment service;
• quickly contact the official support channel of the service used;
• use any applicable dispute procedure;
• report the user on the platform;
• in serious cases, consider contacting the appropriate authorities.

Do not delete conversations, receipts or emails.

If the instrument has already been handed to the courier:

• keep and monitor the tracking information;
• retain photos and videos of the instrument and packaging;
• keep checking the transaction status through official channels;
• if a dispute arises, respond with documented information rather than speculation.

If a disputed return arrives, carefully document the parcel, its external condition and the opening process.

For suspected fraud, use the official channels of the platform, courier, payment service and, when necessary, the appropriate authorities.

A common scam starts with an apparently enthusiastic buyer: they accept the price without negotiating, ask very little about the instrument and want to complete the deal immediately.

Unusual elements may then appear:

• a courier supposedly arranged by the buyer;
• a link to "receive" the payment;
• a request for you to advance money;
• emails imitating payment services;
• unnecessarily complicated procedures.

A genuine buyer can make a fast decision, but they should never need your security codes or require you to pay money in order to receive money.

If the process becomes difficult to understand, stop until every step has been independently verified through official channels.

Before paying, check what protection the chosen method actually provides and which conditions apply.

As a general rule:

• avoid payment tools you do not understand;
• avoid links sent by strangers when you can access the service directly;
• verify the domain, app and recipient;
• read the terms of any protection;
• keep transaction receipts and references.

Whenever an official platform payment flow exists for the specific transaction, follow the published official process.

"You must pay now", "I have five other buyers", "the offer is only valid for a few minutes".

Scarcity can be genuine, but artificial urgency is also an effective way to make somebody skip important checks.

When you feel pressured:

• do not change your verification process;
• do not send money simply because you are afraid of losing the deal;
• still check the price, photos, profile and payment;
• walk away if necessary.

Missing a good deal costs less than completing a fraudulent one.