Scammers usually contact sellers pretending to be army personnel, government officers, or professionals who need to buy the item urgently. They build credibility with fake IDs and polite conversation before sending a QR code to “make payment.” The moment the victim scans it, money gets deducted instead of credited. Similarly, fake sellers post attractive items at low prices, collect advance payments, and vanish without delivering goods.

• Fake buyers sending QR codes for advance payment “to confirm purchase.”
• Fraudulent sellers demanding token money for vehicle or gadget listings.
• Cloned product listings with stolen photos from genuine ads.
• Scammers impersonating defence personnel for emotional trust-building.
• Phishing links shared via chat to steal account or payment app credentials.

• ⚠️ Buyer insists on urgent deal completion without inspection.
• 💡 Seller refuses in-person meeting and pushes for advance payment.
• ✅ QR codes sent through messaging apps for “receiving” money.
• 📉 Unrealistically low prices for branded items.
• 🎯 Chat links redirecting outside the app to fake verification pages.

Do’s

• Deal only through official app chats or verified seller channels.
• Meet buyers or sellers in public places and confirm payments before handing over goods.
• Use secure payment options provided by the platform.
• Double-check product authenticity and ownership documents for vehicles or gadgets.

Don’ts

• Do not scan any QR code shared by buyers or strangers.
• Do not share OTPs or personal details on unverified chats.
• Do not make advance payments for items not inspected physically.
• Never click shortened links claiming to verify your listing.

Fraudsters often use emotional triggers like “I’m an army officer on duty” or “I’m buying this for my sister’s wedding.” They use these lines to build sympathy and avoid verification. This manipulation lowers suspicion, making it easier to deceive victims into scanning payment requests or transferring token amounts. Realising this psychological trick is essential for prevention.

• Report the fraudulent buyer or seller to the platform’s helpdesk immediately.
• File a complaint at cybercrime dot gov dot in or call 1930 helpline.
• Preserve chat logs, screenshots, and transaction proofs for investigation.
• Inform your bank or UPI provider to freeze suspicious transfers.

• 💡 Always insist on cash or verified platform escrow payments for expensive goods.
• ✅ Verify product serial numbers, especially for electronics and vehicles.
• 📉 Block and report users who avoid transparency or rush transactions.
• 🎯 Never share personal IDs or location unless absolutely necessary.

Authorities have urged users to deal only on verified platforms and avoid any off-platform communications. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) regularly issues advisories about fake marketplace profiles and QR code scams. Increased awareness and vigilance during online trading or resale can drastically reduce digital fraud exposure.

Online marketplace scams rely on emotional urgency and misplaced trust. Never scan random QR codes or make advance payments. Always verify the user’s identity and use official channels for payments. Online caution mirrors good investing — verify before acting. Learn more about digital and financial awareness at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.