A ‘successful transfer’ screenshot is not money in your account.
Buyers on online marketplaces sometimes send edited transfer receipts or ‘pending’ screenshots and ask you to ship or hand over the item immediately.
What to do
- Check your own bank appOnly release the item when the money shows in your account.
- Be careful with ‘overpayments’‘I sent too much, please refund the extra’ is a classic trick.
- Meet in safe, public placesShopping centres or near a police station, in daylight.
- Keep the chat and buyer detailsProfile link, phone number and account number.
- Check the buyer's number on SemakmuleEspecially for expensive items.
When to call a professional: Cheated in an online sale? We help trace the person and prepare your report. Fraud, Scam & Signature →
Not sure what to do next? Try the free Case Assessment — 3 minutes · private · no sign-up. See what you already have, what is missing, and the lawful next steps. Start the free assessment →
Emergency? Call 999. Scam in progress? Call the National Scam Response Centre at 997. This tip is general information, not legal advice.