Online marketplaces have become one of the easiest ways for Canadians to buy and sell everyday items, especially during the spring decluttering season. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace connect local buyers and sellers quickly, which makes transactions convenient and often cheaper than retail shopping. Unfortunately, scammers also take advantage of this popularity. In recent months, many Canadians have reported increasingly sophisticated scams designed to trick people into sending money or personal information. These schemes often appear convincing at first glance and target both buyers and sellers. Here are 15 marketplace scams Canadians are seeing more in 2026.
The “Deposit to Hold the Item” Scam
One of the most common scams Canadians encounter involves sellers asking for a small deposit to hold an item. The listing often features popular products such as furniture, electronics, or bicycles priced attractively to generate interest quickly. Once a buyer expresses interest, the seller claims many people want the item and asks for a deposit through e-transfer to reserve it. After receiving the money, the scammer disappears or blocks the buyer. In many cases, the item never existed in the first place, and photos were stolen from other listings. The requested amount may seem small, making victims more willing to send the money. However, scammers rely on repeating this process with multiple buyers. Canadians can avoid this scam by refusing to send deposits and insisting on inspecting items in person before making any payment.
Fake E-Transfer Confirmation Messages
Another scam increasingly reported across Canada involves fake payment confirmations designed to trick sellers. In this scheme, a scammer pretends to buy an item and agrees to pay through e-transfer. Shortly afterward, the seller receives an email that looks like an official payment notification from a bank. The message claims the transfer is pending and will be completed once the seller provides shipping confirmation or pays a small fee. In reality, the email is fake, and the transfer was never initiated. Some sellers ship the item before verifying payment in their bank account, resulting in both the product and the money being lost. The safest approach is to confirm funds directly inside the banking app before completing a sale. Legitimate e-transfers appear instantly within the recipient’s bank account without requiring additional fees.
Overpayment With Refund Request
This scam targets sellers by pretending to make a payment larger than the listed price. A scammer contacts the seller and claims they accidentally sent extra money through an online payment method. They politely request that the seller return the difference through another transfer. In reality, the original payment was either fake, reversed later, or made using a stolen account. Once the seller sends the refund, the scammer disappears. Eventually, the initial payment also disappears, leaving the seller with a financial loss. Canadians selling items online should never issue refunds before confirming that the original payment has permanently cleared in their account. Scammers rely on politeness and urgency to pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the transaction.
Fake Shipping Companies
Some scammers pretend to arrange a courier pickup for large items such as furniture or appliances. The scammer claims they will send a shipping company to collect the product because they live far away. Shortly afterward, the seller receives an email that appears to be from a courier service requesting payment for shipping insurance or scheduling fees. The message claims the buyer already paid for the item, but the seller must cover shipping arrangements. Once the seller sends the money, the courier never appears, and the buyer disappears as well. Legitimate shipping companies never require sellers to pay unexpected fees through unofficial payment links. Canadians should always arrange shipping themselves or meet buyers locally to avoid this type of scam.
The “Too Good to Be True” Rental Listing
Although rental scams exist across many platforms, they often appear in marketplace listings as well. Scammers post attractive apartments or rooms at prices significantly lower than typical market rates. The listing often includes professional photos and detailed descriptions to appear legitimate. When someone contacts the advertiser, they claim to be out of the city and request a deposit before scheduling a viewing. They may also ask for copies of identification documents or personal information. After receiving the deposit, the scammer disappears. The property may belong to someone else entirely, and the listing photos were likely copied from legitimate real estate websites. Canadians should always visit rental properties in person and verify ownership before sending deposits or sharing personal documents online.
The “Gift Card Payment” Request
A classic scam that continues to appear on Canadian marketplaces involves payment requests via gift cards. In this scheme, the scammer claims gift cards represent the easiest way to complete a transaction. They may ask buyers to purchase prepaid cards from popular retailers and send photos of the codes. Once the codes are shared, the scammer redeems them instantly and disappears. Because gift card transactions are difficult to reverse, victims rarely recover their money. Scammers often offer unusual reasons for preferring this payment method, such as technical issues with banking apps or a need for a quick payment. Canadians should treat any request for gift card payment as a major warning sign. Legitimate buyers and sellers typically use secure payment methods such as cash or verified electronic transfers.
Fake “Buyer Protection” Websites
Some scammers attempt to make transactions appear more secure by directing victims to fake buyer protection websites. These sites often imitate well-known payment services or escrow platforms. The scammer sends a link claiming the transaction will be protected once payment is made through the site. The website may look professional and even include fake customer support messages. However, once payment details are entered, the money goes directly to the scammer. Victims may also unknowingly share sensitive financial information. Canadians should never trust unfamiliar payment websites suggested by strangers online. Legitimate services do not require users to follow unknown links sent through marketplace messages.
Phishing Through Marketplace Messages
Phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated within marketplace messaging systems. A scammer may contact a seller pretending to confirm identity or verify a listing. They send a link claiming the seller must log in to confirm their account before completing the sale. The link leads to a fake login page that collects usernames and passwords. Once the scammer gains access to the victim’s account, they may attempt to scam other users or steal personal information. Canadians should avoid clicking links sent by strangers and always access marketplace platforms directly through official apps or websites.
Fake Product Listings With Stock Photos
Another common scam involves listing products that do not actually exist. Scammers copy professional product photos from retail websites and create listings for items such as smartphones, gaming consoles, or designer products. The price is often slightly lower than market value to attract attention quickly. Once a buyer sends payment or a deposit, the seller disappears without delivering the product. These listings often include vague descriptions and avoid providing detailed photos of the actual item. Canadians can protect themselves by asking for original photos taken by the seller and arranging to see the item in person before completing any payment.
The “Verification Code” Trick
This scam targets users by requesting a verification code sent to their phone. The scammer claims they want to confirm the seller is legitimate before meeting in person. They ask for the phone number and then trigger a real verification message from another online service. Once the victim receives the code, the scammer asks them to share it for confirmation. In reality, the code allows the scammer to access the victim’s account or create accounts using their phone number. Canadians should never share verification codes with anyone online because legitimate buyers do not require them.
Counterfeit Brand Name Products
Another scam Canadians frequently encounter on online marketplaces involves counterfeit brand-name products. Listings often advertise designer handbags, sneakers, headphones, or electronics at prices that appear much lower than retail value. The photos usually look professional because scammers copy them from official retail websites or legitimate listings. Buyers may believe they discovered a rare deal and send payment quickly before someone else purchases the item. In many cases, the product that arrives later turns out to be a poor-quality imitation, or sometimes nothing arrives at all. Counterfeit scams are especially common with luxury brands and popular electronics because they attract strong buyer interest. Canadians can reduce the risk by requesting real photos of the item rather than stock images and by meeting sellers in person whenever possible. Deals that seem unusually cheap should always be approached with caution.
Fake Vehicle Listings
Vehicle scams continue to appear on marketplaces each spring as Canadians search for used cars, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. In this scheme, scammers copy photos from legitimate listings and repost them with lower prices to attract buyers quickly. When someone contacts the seller, the scammer claims the vehicle is located in another city and cannot be viewed immediately. They often request a deposit to hold the vehicle or arrange delivery through a shipping service. Once the deposit is sent, the scammer disappears, and the vehicle never arrives. Some scammers also provide fake paperwork or shipping confirmations to appear convincing. Because vehicles involve large purchases, these scams can lead to significant financial losses. Canadians should always inspect vehicles in person, verify ownership documents, and avoid sending deposits for items they have not seen.
Identity Theft Through Buyer Questions
Some scammers use marketplace conversations to collect personal information that can later be used for identity theft. In these cases, the scammer pretends to be a serious buyer and begins asking detailed questions during the conversation. They may request full names, phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses before arranging a meeting. These requests may seem normal at first, but scammers gradually gather enough information to attempt fraud or phishing attempts later. Once they collect the details they need, the buyer often disappears, and the sale never happens. Canadians should remember that most marketplace transactions require very little personal information. Communication should remain within the platform whenever possible, and sensitive details should never be shared with strangers online. Protecting personal information helps prevent more serious financial scams later.
Fake Charity Collection Requests
Another scam appearing occasionally on online marketplaces involves people pretending to collect items for charity. The individual may contact sellers claiming they represent a community organization, shelter, or fundraising campaign. They might ask if the seller would consider donating the item instead of selling it. In some cases, they request a small payment to cover transportation or delivery costs for the donation. Because many Canadians want to support charitable causes, these requests can seem genuine. Unfortunately, the person collecting the items may not represent any real organization. Once the goods or money are provided, the scammer disappears, and the charity never receives anything. Canadians should verify charitable organizations directly on official websites or through community contacts before donating items or money via marketplace messages.
Account Takeover Through Suspicious Links
Account takeover scams have become more common as scammers attempt to gain control of marketplace accounts. In this scheme, a user receives a message claiming there is a problem with their listing or that their account needs verification before completing a sale. The message includes a link that appears to lead to the official marketplace website. However, the link actually directs the user to a fake login page designed to steal account credentials. If the victim enters their username and password, scammers can access the account and begin contacting other users or posting fraudulent listings. These messages often create urgency by warning that the account may be suspended if the user does not act quickly. Canadians should avoid clicking links in marketplace messages and instead log in to accounts directly through official apps or websites.
19 Things Canadians Don’t Realize the CRA Can See About Their Online Income
Earning money online feels simple and informal for many Canadians. Freelancing, selling products, and digital services often start as side projects. The problem appears at tax time. Many people underestimate how much information the CRA can access. Online platforms, banks, and payment processors create detailed records automatically. These records do not disappear once money hits an account. Small gaps in reporting add up quickly.
Here are 19 things Canadians don’t realize the CRA can see about their online income.
