Warning signs you should not ignore

A newly registered user can be completely legitimate. An empty profile should therefore never be treated as automatic proof of fraud.

Increase your checks when several of these elements appear together:

• a very recent account;
• no profile information;
• many expensive listings posted at the same time;
• inconsistent photos;
• information that changes during the conversation.

Lack of reputation simply means that you need to rely more heavily on verifiable evidence from the individual transaction.

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.

"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.

To buy or sell an instrument you should never give the other person:

• passwords;
• one-time passwords (OTPs);
• PINs;
• CVV/CVC codes;
• recovery codes;
• online banking credentials;
• copies of identity documents unless an official, verified process genuinely requires them.

If a legitimate service requires sensitive information, enter it directly in the official app or website, never in a chat with the other party.