Some adverts are designed to look like great opportunities — but their purpose is simply to take payment and disappear.
These typically target high-demand, fast-moving items where buyers feel pressure not to miss out.
Our Trust & Safety teams and automated systems remove many of these adverts quickly. But understanding how they work makes them much easier to spot early.
How it usually happens
Step 1: A new account posts a popular item
A newly created account lists a sought-after item, such as:
Concert or sporting event tickets
Phones, laptops or gaming consoles
Golf clubs or sports equipment
Designer clothing or accessories
Toys or Lego
The advert can look genuine, often with convincing photos and descriptions.
Step 2: The price feels tempting
The item may be:
Slightly below market value
Low enough to feel like a bargain
Priced “fairly” but with urgency attached
This creates pressure. Buyers don’t want to miss out.
🚩 If the price feels unusually good for a high-demand item, pause before proceeding.
Step 3: Payment is requested upfront
They often ask for money via:
Revolut
PayPal Family & Friends
Bank transfer
They may say:
The item will be posted immediately
Other buyers are waiting
Payment is needed to “secure” the item
Step 4: The payment offers no protection
Payment methods like Revolut transfers or PayPal Family & Friends are not designed for buying goods.
Once the money is sent:
It’s very difficult—or impossible—to recover
There’s no buyer protection
The seller doesn’t need to deliver anything
This is why these payment types are often requested.
Step 5: The seller disappears
After payment is made:
Messages stop
The ad may be removed
The account becomes inactive or blocked
The item never arrives.
How to protect yourself
Be cautious with brand-new accounts
A newly created profile selling high-value items deserves extra care.
Avoid paying upfront
Where possible:
Meet in person
Inspect the item
Pay on collection
This is especially important for tickets and electronics.
Never use PayPal Family & Friends for purchases
It’s designed for sending money to people you know — not buying goods.
Watch for pressure tactics
Fraudsters rely on urgency:
“Lots of interest”
“First to pay gets it”
“Need payment now”
A genuine seller won’t rush you.
Keep communication on DoneDeal
Staying in the DoneDeal message centre adds protection and makes it easier for us to step in if needed.
If something doesn’t feel right
Stop the transaction and don’t send money.
Report the advert or message so we can investigate.
A good deal should feel straightforward—not risky.
Taking a moment to check can save a lot of hassle later.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.