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Home / Guides / Marketplace Scams / Preloved Scam UK: Spot a Fake Seller or Listing
Marketplace Scams

Preloved Scam UK: Spot a Fake Seller or Listing

Preloved scammers use fake profiles and pressure tactics to steal thousands from UK buyers — here's how to spot them before you lose money.

· · · 4 min read

Quick answer: Being asked to transfer money to hold a Preloved item you have not seen is a scam pattern, not a favour. Insist on viewing in person or by live video before paying anything, and report the listing to Preloved and any loss to Report Fraud or Police Scotland on 101.
Key rule: verify through an official route you opened yourself, not the link, number, app, or payment details supplied by the suspicious message.
On this page
  1. What a Preloved scam looks like
  2. Why these scams are convincing
  3. Signs a Preloved listing or seller is a scam
  4. How the scam works
  5. How to buy safely on Preloved
  6. If you have already paid
  7. How to report a Preloved scam (UK)

What a Preloved scam looks like

Preloved is a genuine UK marketplace for second-hand goods, but criminals can post fake or cloned listings and push buyers to pay by bank transfer before they can view or collect the item. An example of the style is: Sorry, I've had a lot of interest - if you transfer the £120 today I'll hold it for you and post it out tomorrow.

The item is often not real, not theirs, or never arrives. This guide shows the warning signs, how to buy safely, and what to do if you have already paid.

Why these scams are convincing

A good price on a wanted item and "lots of interest" pressure push you to act quickly, and photos lifted from a genuine advert make a fake listing look authentic. Sellers often refuse a video call or meeting, giving plausible-sounding excuses.

The rule that protects you: never pay a deposit or the full price by bank transfer for an item you have not seen, and treat any seller who cannot meet or show the item live as a serious warning sign.

Signs a Preloved listing or seller is a scam

  • The seller wants payment by bank transfer before you can view or collect the item.
  • They cannot or will not meet in person or do a live video call to show the item.
  • The price is well below similar listings.
  • You are pressured to pay quickly because "others are interested".
  • They move the chat to WhatsApp, text, or personal email.
  • The account or listing is new, or the photos look like they belong to another advert.
  • Delivery is promised by an unusual or unverifiable courier arrangement.

How the scam works

First, an attractive listing appears at a good price. Second, the seller gives a reason they cannot meet or show the item live. Third, they ask for payment by bank transfer to "hold" or secure it. Fourth, you pay and the item never arrives, or is not as described. Finally, the seller stops responding or the listing disappears.

Insisting on viewing the item in person or by live video before paying breaks the chain.

How to buy safely on Preloved

Slow the deal down and verify before you pay.

  • View the item in person, or ask for a live video call, before paying anything.
  • Never transfer money to "hold" or secure an item you have not seen.
  • Be wary of sellers who refuse to meet or video call and give vague excuses.
  • Prefer a payment method with more practical protection than a direct bank transfer where possible.
  • Check the seller's profile, advert history, and messages for inconsistencies.

If you are unsure whether a listing or site is genuine, our guide on Is This Website a Scam? A Practical Checklist Before You Buy helps, and our Gumtree Scams UK: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Listings and Buyers and Vinted Buyer Scam UK: Spot Fake 'Payment' Cons guides cover related marketplace scams.

If you have already paid

Act now using the payment, account and identity steps in our scam recovery checklist.

How to report a Preloved scam (UK)

Report the listing or seller directly to Preloved using its report, help, or contact function. If the scam reached you by email, forward it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk; if by text, forward it to 7726.

If you lost money, report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 if you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. Tell your bank as soon as possible if money moved, and keep all the evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Is Preloved a scam, or just used by scammers?

Preloved is a genuine second-hand marketplace; criminals can abuse it with fake or cloned listings. The danger sign is a seller who will not let you view the item and wants payment transferred up front.

A seller says they'll hold the item if I transfer money now - is that ok?

No. Never pay a deposit or the full price for an item you have not seen or verified by video call. This is a common marketplace scam pattern.

The item is much cheaper than similar listings - red flag?

Yes. A below-market price combined with a seller who cannot meet or show the item live is a classic scam pattern. Verify the item and seller independently before paying anything.

I've paid a deposit for an item I haven't seen - can I get it back?

Possibly. Tell your bank immediately. A card payment may be recoverable through chargeback, and eligible UK transfers since 7 October 2024 may fall under APP reimbursement rules, subject to limits and exclusions.

How do I report a Preloved scam?

Report the listing or seller to Preloved directly, then if you lost money, report it to Report Fraud in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.

Sources checked

Think you’ve spotted a scam? Use the AI scam checker for an automated second opinion, or report it to Report Fraud for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland on 101 for Scotland.

Reporting routes in this guide are checked against our verified canon of official UK sources — Report Fraud for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland on 101 for Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre, and the consumer service for each nation — by an automated accuracy gate before publication. Editorially updated by , Founder & Editor, on 2026-07-30. Read about how Beat the Scam writes guides.

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