Medium riskMarketplace Scams

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 this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

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.

Red flags to watch for

  • 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

What to do

  • 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

If you already clicked or replied

  • 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

What not to do

  • 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

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Frequently asked questions

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

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.