Medium riskMarketplace

Appraisal Fee Scam

In this scam, a buyer or 'specialist' offers to purchase or sell your valuable item but first requires an upfront appraisal, certification, or listing fee, then takes the fee and disappears.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee (fake valuation)
Main red flag
A buyer or service requires an upfront appraisal or listing fee before purchase.
What to do first
Do not pay upfront fees to sell your item; use reputable, transparent services.

What to know first

In this scam, a buyer or 'specialist' offers to purchase or sell your valuable item but first requires an upfront appraisal, certification, or listing fee, then takes the fee and disappears.

Marketplace scams target both buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified listings. Fraudsters fake payments, send bogus "buyer protection" emails, push deals off-platform, or use overpayment tricks to make you ship goods or send money for nothing.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A buyer or service requires an upfront appraisal or listing fee before purchase. Do not pay upfront fees to sell your item; use reputable, transparent services.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Memorabilia Forgery Scam and the Jewellery Sale Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Marketplace Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top category
online shopping is consistently among the most-reported fraud types to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A required upfront appraisal, certification, or listing fee
  • A 'recommended' appraiser chosen by the buyer
  • Pressure to pay quickly to complete a sale
  • A buyer who only communicates by message
  • Promises of a high purchase price after the fee

Staying safe

  • Refuse upfront fees to sell your item
  • Choose your own independent, reputable appraiser if needed
  • Use established selling platforms with clear terms
  • Be wary of buyers who insist on a specific appraiser

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'I'd love to buy your antique, but I need an independent appraisal first. Pay the $90 appraisal fee to this appraiser and we'll complete the sale.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A buyer or service requires an upfront appraisal or listing fee before purchase.

Steps if you already acted

  • If you paid a fee, contact your bank or payment provider to dispute it
  • Stop dealing with the buyer and keep all messages
  • Report the buyer and 'appraiser' to the platform
  • Report the scam to your local fraud authority

Common mistakes

  • Do not pay upfront fees to a buyer's chosen appraiser
  • Do not let a high promised price tempt you
  • Do not deal off-platform with pushy buyers

Scams like this one

Medium risk Marketplace

Memorabilia Forgery Scam

In this scam, a seller offers signed memorabilia, such as sports or music items, with forged autographs and fake certificates of authenticity, selling worthless items as genuine collectibles.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Jewellery Sale Scam

In this scam, a seller advertises gold, diamond, or gemstone jewellery as genuine and valuable, but the items are fake, plated, or far lower grade than claimed, sold at prices that seem like a bargain.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Vehicle History Report Scam

When buying or selling a vehicle, the other party insists you first get a history report from one specific website, which is set up to harvest your card details or charge hidden fees.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Should a buyer ask me to pay for an appraisal?
No. A genuine buyer does not require you to pay an upfront appraisal or listing fee to a specific service before purchase. That is an advance-fee scam.
What if my item genuinely needs valuing?
Choose your own independent, reputable appraiser, and never pay a fee to a buyer's recommended service to 'complete' a sale.
I paid the appraisal fee. What now?
Dispute the payment with your bank or payment provider, stop dealing with the buyer, and report them and the appraiser.
How do I sell valuables safely?
Use established selling platforms or reputable dealers with transparent terms, and be cautious of buyers who insist on upfront fees.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.