What to do if you suspect a scam
What to do before payment, after paying, or after you have already shipped the instrument.
If you suspect a scam and have not yet paid or shipped:
- do not proceed;
- save conversations, photos, usernames and listing details;
- verify the profile, instrument and payment method again;
- do not open additional suspicious links;
- report the account or listing when appropriate.
If the other person responds with threats, pressure or attempts to stop you verifying the deal, treat that behaviour as another warning sign.
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.