How to spot a scam when buying or selling online in Ireland
Updated 20 October 2026. 5 minute read.
Most buyers and sellers are genuine. A small number are not, and they use the same handful of tricks again and again. Knowing them makes you very hard to fool.
Never pay in advance to someone you have not met
The golden rule. Genuine sellers will let you see the item and pay on collection. If a seller asks for a deposit, a "holding fee" or a full payment by bank transfer before you have seen the item, walk away.
Scammers often give a reason: they are abroad, a courier will deliver, the item is in storage. These are all excuses to take payment for something that does not exist.
Watch for overpayment and refund tricks
If you are selling, be suspicious of a buyer who offers more than your asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The first payment later fails or is reversed, and your refund is gone.
Never accept a cheque or a payment you cannot see in your account, and never hand over an item before the money has cleared.
Be careful with links and moving the chat
A buyer who sends a link to "confirm" a payment or "verify" your account is trying to steal your login or card details. Genuine marketplaces do not ask you to click a link to receive money.
Be wary of anyone who pushes you to move to WhatsApp or email straight away. Keeping the conversation on the site means it can be reviewed if something goes wrong.
If the price looks too good
A new phone at half price or a car well below market value usually means a scam or stolen goods. Compare similar listings, and ask for extra photos with the seller's name and today's date on a piece of paper.
For phones, ask for the IMEI. For vehicles, check the registration against the seller's documents.
Meet safely
Meet in a busy public place in daylight, bring a friend if you can, and tell someone where you are going. Check the item before you pay and pay in cash on collection.
If you think a crime has taken place, contact An Garda Síochána. On SellNow.ie, report the listing or user so our moderators can act.