Pusaram

Online marketplace buyer and seller scams

A fake buyer, seller or courier uses overpayments, advance payments and 'refunds'.

How it works

  • As a seller: a buyer 'accidentally' overpays and asks you to return the difference, or sends a payment request or QR instead of paying.
  • As a buyer: a seller asks for an advance for a heavily discounted item and then disappears, or a 'courier' asks for a fee to deliver.
  • A fake payment confirmation screenshot may be used instead of a real payment.

Warning signs

  • Prices that are far below market.
  • Pressure to use outside chat or payment methods.
  • Screenshots instead of real confirmations.
  • Fees for delivery requested by an unknown party.

What to do

  • Confirm that money has really arrived in your own account before sending goods.
  • Use the marketplace's protected payment system, or pay on delivery where possible.
  • Meet in public places for in-person sales.

A made-up example of what you might hear

'I have sent ₹12,000 instead of ₹2,000 by mistake. Please send back ₹10,000 right now, my payment will reflect shortly.'

If you already paid or shared a code

  • Call your bank or card issuer straight away and ask them to block the card, account or payment. Use the number on the card or the official website.
  • Change passwords for any account that may be affected, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
  • Report it to the authorities (see the list below). Keep screenshots, phone numbers, account details, transaction IDs and times.

Where to report

Author and editorial reviewer: Prashant Nandkishor Maheshwari, 2026-10-18. Education only. Rules and reporting channels differ by country.