Marketplace scams to watch for in Idaho, and what to do if you're hit

Scams aimed at sellers

• The overpayment check. A buyer who can't come see the item sends a check for more than the price, then asks you to send back the difference. The money may even show up in your account, but it can take the bank weeks to discover the check is fake, and then the bank takes it back. Never deposit a check for more than the price, and never send money back.
• The fake payment notification. The buyer "pays" through a payment app and sends a convincing but fake confirmation, or claims they paid twice and asks for a refund. Don't accept payment-app payments from people you don't know, and check your actual account, not an email or text.
• The verification code. A buyer asks you to read back a code sent to your phone "to prove you're real." It's usually a code to set up a phone number (such as Google Voice) in your name. Never share a verification code.
• The shipping story. A buyer who's out of town, sending a courier, and paying extra for your trouble is almost always a scammer. Sell locally to people you can meet.

Scams aimed at buyers

• The too-cheap car. A low price, a seller who's in a hurry and can't meet or let you inspect the car, a VIN that doesn't match, a request for a deposit, or new "shipping" fees after you pay. See how to buy a used car in Idaho.
• The rental you can't see. Rent far below the area, an owner who's "out of the country", pressure to pay a deposit or application fee before a tour, and requests for your Social Security number up front. Look up who owns the property in your county assessor's records and make sure the name matches the person you're dealing with.
• The payment method. Nobody legitimate insists on gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. If that's the only way they'll take money, it's a scam.

Red flags in one list

• They won't meet in person, or won't let you see the item.
• They're in a hurry, or the price is far below similar listings.
• They want to move the conversation off the site right away, or send a link to "confirm" something.
• They want a code from your phone, your personal information, or payment in gift cards, wire transfers or crypto.
• The story keeps changing: a relative is picking it up, a shipper is coming, the check is from their employer.

If you've been scammed

1. 1Call your bank or card issuer right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. If you paid with a gift card, contact the card's company immediately.
2. 2Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
3. 3Report it to the Idaho Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division using its online complaint form, or call 208-334-2424 (toll-free: 800-432-3545).
4. 4Report the listing or the account to the site where you found it. On Bluebird, use the report option on the listing; see the Bluebird safety center.
5. 5If you were threatened or met someone in person, call your local police.

Common questions

Is it a scam if a buyer sends a check for more than my asking price?

Yes. The overpayment is the scam: the check bounces after you've sent the "extra" back, and the bank takes the money out of your account. Don't deposit it, and don't send anything back.

Why does a buyer want the code that was texted to me?

Usually to set up a phone number, such as a Google Voice number, tied to your phone so they can run other scams under it. Never share a verification code with someone you don't know.

Where do I report a marketplace scam in Idaho?

To the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Idaho Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (208-334-2424, or toll-free 800-432-3545). Also call your bank right away and report the listing to the site.