Fake courier messages are one of the most common ways sellers are targeted.
They’re designed to look professional and reassuring — but their aim is simple: to capture your card details and money.
Understanding how this usually unfolds makes it much easier to spot early and avoid entirely.
How it typically happens
Step 1: A buyer makes contact
You list your item on DoneDeal as normal.
A “buyer” gets in touch, often showing strong interest straight away.
At this stage, everything can seem perfectly legitimate.
Step 2: The conversation moves off DoneDeal
Very quickly, they suggest continuing the conversation elsewhere:
WhatsApp
Email
Facebook Messenger
Another messaging app
They might say it’s “easier” or that they don’t check DoneDeal messages.
🚩 This is an important warning sign.
Moving away from the DoneDeal message centre removes a key layer of protection.
Step 3: They suggest courier collection
The buyer explains they can’t collect the item themselves and suggests:
A courier will collect it
A delivery service will handle everything
You’ll be paid once collection is arranged
It’s presented as convenient and hassle-free.
Step 4: You’re sent to a fake courier website
You’re asked to arrange collection through what looks like a legitimate courier site.
It may:
Use familiar branding
Look professional and convincing
Ask for a small “insurance”, “release”, or “processing” fee
But it isn’t genuine.
When you enter your card details, they’re captured and misused.
Step 5: The buyer disappears
Once payment details are shared:
The buyer stops responding
No courier arrives
Any money paid cannot be recovered
Unfortunately, by this point the damage is already done.
By this stage, the transaction has already gone wrong.
How to protect yourself
Keep communication on DoneDeal
The message centre is there for a reason.
If someone insists on moving elsewhere early on, pause and reconsider.
Be wary of courier-only buyers
Most genuine buyers will:
Arrange collection themselves, or
Are happy to meet in person
Pressure and distance are often used to rush decisions.
Never pay to receive money
You should never have to pay a fee to:
Release funds
Insure a courier
Confirm a delivery
If payment is required, it’s not legitimate.
Don’t enter card details on unfamiliar sites
Even if a website looks real, pause before entering any payment information.
When in doubt, don’t proceed.
Trust your instincts
Pressure, urgency, or overly smooth explanations are red flags.
A genuine buyer won’t rush or push you into paying fees.
If something doesn’t feel right
Stop the transaction immediately and report the message directly from the Message Centre..
Reporting helps protect you—and other users too.
We work hard to keep DoneDeal safe, but the strongest protection is an informed seller.
Selling should feel straightforward, not stressful.
Take your time, stay on-platform, and deal with confidence.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.