How to Spot a Classifieds Scam: 6 Red Flags Worth Knowing

Buying and selling on local classifieds works because most people on the other end of an ad are real — a neighbour clearing out the garage, a tradesperson advertising a service, a student selling a bike. The handful who aren’t are predictable. After moderating thousands of listings, the same scam patterns come up over and over. Here are six worth recognising before you reply to an ad or accept a buyer.