We are seeing an increase in scams affecting users of online marketplaces worldwide.
In these scams, fraudsters impersonate sellers, buyers, or customer support agents and direct users to complete a payment outside the official marketplace platform. Many victims only discover after entering their card details that the transaction was processed as a cryptocurrency purchase.
Because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, funds cannot be recovered once completed.
How the scam typically works
Scammers may:
Send a payment or “verification” link that looks like an official marketplace page
Ask you to leave the platform to complete payment
Call or message you and guide you step by step through the process
Claim you must “verify” your account to receive money
Create urgency so you act quickly
In many cases, users believe they are:
Paying a seller
Receiving money for a sale
Verifying an account
But instead, they are unknowingly purchasing cryptocurrency, which is then sent to a wallet controlled by the scammer.
What you may not realize at the time of payment
Before confirming any card payment, please understand:
If the payment is processed by a cryptocurrency broker or exchange, you are buying cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible
Once crypto is sent to an external wallet, it cannot be refunded
Crypto brokers are not affiliated with marketplace sellers or buyers
If cryptocurrency is mentioned only after payment — or not clearly disclosed at all — this is a major warning sign.
Common warning signs
Be cautious if:
You are asked to complete payment through a link sent privately
You are told to leave the marketplace platform
Someone guides you step by step by phone or chat
You are asked to act urgently
You are told you must “verify” to receive funds
You do not clearly understand who is processing your payment
How to protect yourself
To reduce the risk of being scammed:
Only complete payments directly through official marketplace checkout systems
Never use payment or verification links sent by individuals
Do not enter card details unless you clearly understand who is charging you
Never buy cryptocurrency on behalf of someone else
Do not complete payments while being guided by a third party
Stop immediately if anything feels rushed or unclear
If in doubt, contact support before completing the payment.
Platforms where similar scams have been reported
These scams have affected users of well-known marketplaces, including:
eBay
Leboncoin
Subito.it
Ricardo
Kleinanzeigen
Tutti.ch
OLX
BlaBlaCar
This does not mean these platforms are unsafe. Scammers misuse trusted brands to gain credibility.
Final reminder
If you are unsure whether a payment involves cryptocurrency, stop before entering your card details.
If someone is guiding you through a payment process or asking you to complete a transaction outside a marketplace, this is very likely a scam. When in doubt, do not proceed.
If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to contact our Support Team.