Most marketplace scams rely on pressure, secrecy, or a request that does not make sense. Use this guide before you buy, sell, meet, or send money.
Before you pay
Verify the person, item, and payment.
Before you meet
Choose a public, safe location.
When in doubt
Stop, save evidence, and report it.
Know the pattern
A legitimate buyer or seller should be able to answer reasonable questions without rushing you.
A buyer sends too much, asks you to refund the difference, or says a payment is pending.
Do this instead
Do not send money back based on a screenshot or email. Confirm funds directly with the payment provider before handing anything over.
Someone demands a deposit immediately, refuses reasonable questions, or says several people are waiting.
Do this instead
Slow down. Verify the item, the person, the price, and the meeting details before you commit.
A message asks you to click a delivery link, share a login code, or continue through an unfamiliar site.
Do this instead
Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card details, or bank credentials. Open Bluebird Marketplace directly instead of using an unexpected link.
A buyer claims a courier will collect the item and asks you to pay an insurance, release, or verification fee.
Do this instead
Stop and verify independently. Bluebird Marketplace does not require a seller to pay a fee to release a buyer's payment.
The price is far below comparable listings, photos look copied, or the seller avoids specific questions.
Do this instead
Compare details, request current photos, verify ownership when appropriate, and walk away if the story does not add up.
The other person changes the location, insists on an isolated meeting, or will not let you inspect the item.
Do this instead
Meet in a public place, bring someone when possible, tell someone where you are going, and never trade safety for a deal.
What Bluebird Marketplace does
Marketplace messages are connected to the listing and protected by account access. Keep important conversation details inside Bluebird Marketplace.
Use Flag This Listing when content appears fraudulent, unsafe, prohibited, misleading, or otherwise out of bounds.
Reports and listings can be reviewed by marketplace operations. Listings may be removed when they violate policy or applicable law.
The current direct-contact marketplace flow does not collect card numbers or bank credentials. Never send those details in a message.
Use before you act
Buying
Selling
Something happened?
If you think you encountered a scam, stop communicating and do not send more money. Save the listing URL, messages, usernames, receipts, and screenshots.
Do not click, pay, refund, or share more information.
Keep the listing, conversation, and payment evidence.
Flag the listing and contact the payment provider if money moved.
More answers
For local transactions, inspect the item and confirm the details before paying whenever possible. Never pay an unexplained fee to unlock or release a payment.
Use your judgment and keep the conversation on Bluebird Marketplace while you evaluate the listing. Do not follow unexpected links or share credentials, codes, or financial information.
No. Bluebird Marketplace provides a marketplace and moderation surfaces, but does not inspect, authenticate, or guarantee sellers or items. You are responsible for evaluating the transaction.
Use Flag This Listing on the listing page. You can also contact Bluebird Marketplace with the listing URL and a description of what looks wrong.