SilentSale®

Marketplace scams UK: eight warning signs

Check the payment, inspect the item and keep evidence. Use these eight checks before sending a parcel or completing a local sale.

Updated 2 October 2026UK
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  1. 01The fake “you have been paid” email
  2. 02A request to pay outside the app
  3. 03A rushed local handover
  4. 04A parcel said to be missing
  5. 05An empty box or a different item
  6. 06An overpayment story
  7. 07A link asking you to verify details
  8. 08A fake item described as genuine

  1. The fake “you have been paid” email

    Looks like

    a convincing email asks you to dispatch or follow a link to release money.

    Your check

    open the app yourself and check the paid order. An email or screenshot is not proof of payment.

    On SilentSale®

    Stripe processes payments and holds funds until the order completes.

    Browse the marketplace

  2. A request to pay outside the app

    Looks like

    a discount depends on paying by transfer or leaving the marketplace conversation.

    Your check

    keep the deal and payment in the app. Off-platform payment is outside the SilentSale® transaction flow.

    On SilentSale®

    SilentCover® is a discretionary protection service under the SilentSale® Terms. Both sides protected equally: buyer and seller each contribute £0.30 + 3% of the item price. Decisions depend on the Terms and evidence.

    See how SilentCover® works

  3. A rushed local handover

    Looks like

    someone presses you to hand over the item or share the acceptance PIN before inspection.

    Your check

    agree the item and price in the app, check the paid order and allow time to inspect. A missed appointment alone is not proof of fraud.

    On SilentSale®

    PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.

    Find items for PIN Pickup

  4. A parcel said to be missing

    Looks like

    tracking and a buyer’s account do not agree. This may be a delivery mistake, so keep the evidence and avoid accusations.

    Your check

    retain the posting receipt and use the order’s reporting tools.

    On SilentSale®

    For Shipping, report problems within 72 hours after confirmed delivery, or the collection scan for a locker or parcel-shop order. Confirming receipt closes the window early, so inspect first.

    Use the Resolution Centre and in-app conversation to raise an issue, exchange evidence and try to agree a resolution before escalation for review.

    Open the Resolution Centre

  5. An empty box or a different item

    Looks like

    the contents differ from the listing, or a returned item differs from the one sent.

    Your check

    keep packaging, photos and the listing details for review.

    On SilentSale®

    Packing and unboxing videos are encouraged, not mandatory. A packing video should show the condition, packing process and sealed parcel. Start an unboxing video before opening and record it in the app or upload it within the dispute timeframe.

  6. An overpayment story

    Looks like

    someone claims to have paid extra and wants you to send the difference to a separate account.

    Your check

    do not send a separate payment in response to the message. Check the order and use Support for a disputed amount.

    On SilentSale®

    Use the Resolution Centre and in-app conversation to raise an issue, exchange evidence and try to agree a resolution before escalation for review.

  7. A link asking you to verify details

    Looks like

    a message links to a copied login or card form.

    Your check

    open the marketplace directly. Never give another user your login code; do identity checks through the account flow you opened yourself.

    On SilentSale®

    Sellers must complete identity and bank verification with Stripe before they can withdraw their earnings. Selling and withdrawing are separate steps; allow time for checks and bank processing.

  8. A fake item described as genuine

    Looks like

    a listing cannot substantiate its brand or uses photos that do not show the actual item. Price alone does not establish authenticity.

    Your check

    ask about provenance, examine condition and do not accept an item you have not checked.

    On SilentSale®

    Counterfeits are banned. Describe authenticity accurately and retain supporting evidence; SilentSale® does not authenticate items.

    For Shipping, report problems within 72 hours after confirmed delivery, or the collection scan for a locker or parcel-shop order. Confirming receipt closes the window early, so inspect first.

    Browse the marketplace
See how SilentCover® works

Questions people ask

Marketplace scams UK: eight warning signs

Check the payment, inspect the item and keep evidence. Use these eight checks before sending a parcel or completing a local sale.

What should I check before completing the order?

For Shipping, report problems within 72 hours after confirmed delivery, or the collection scan for a locker or parcel-shop order. Confirming receipt closes the window early, so inspect first. PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.

Keep reading

Sources

  • SilentSale® Terms and Conditions — payment, protection, acceptance and evidence rules. Checked 2026-10-02. §4.1–4.3, §3.1–3.3, §6.1–6.5, §7.5, §15.2.2–15.2.4, §6.5.1–6.5.1, §7.3.7, §15.2, §6.5.1, §8.2–8.3, §14.5.1–14.5.5, §15.3.1–15.3.5, §4.4, §2.3.4, §11.2, §11.3