Accepting Payments for Online Sales Without Getting Scammed
Selling through social media, WhatsApp or marketplaces? Rules for payment before delivery, spotting fake buyers and overpayments, and keeping evidence in case of disputes.
Selling through social media, WhatsApp and marketplaces opens a business to customers anywhere. It also exposes sellers to buyers who never intend to pay. Clear payment rules protect you without scaring off genuine customers.
Payment rules to publish
- Payment confirmed before dispatch, or pay on delivery through a courier that collects for you.
- Exact amounts only: no overpayments, no "I'll send extra for the driver".
- Payments only to your business account or merchant number.
Buyer red flags
- Overpayment and a request to refund the difference. See overpayment tricks.
- Screenshots instead of real payment. See fake payment screenshots.
- "My courier will collect, pay him the fee." See delivery payment scams.
- Requests for codes sent to your phone "to receive payment".
- Foreign buyers with elaborate payment stories. See fake payment confirmations.
Keep evidence
- Photos of the item and packaging before sending.
- Chat history and agreed terms.
- Payment IDs and courier receipts. See record-keeping.
Unsure about a buyer's message? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan.
For more, see mobile money and banking scams.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send goods before payment?
Generally no, unless you use a platform or courier service that collects payment on delivery or protects sellers.
A buyer wants to pay more than the price. Why?
Overpayment is a classic scam. The payment is fake or reversed, and they ask you to refund the difference.
What evidence should I keep?
Chat history, payment IDs, delivery receipts, photos of the item before sending and courier tracking.
Sources
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- Mobile Payment Apps: How To Avoid a Scam When You Use One, US Federal Trade Commission
- Cybersecurity for Small Business, US Federal Trade Commission
