Medium riskMarketplace Scams

Copycat Listing Scam

In this scam, a fraudster copies a real seller's photos and details to create a duplicate listing or profile, intercepts buyers, and takes payment off-platform for an item they do not have.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Seller impersonation (buyer-targeted)
Main red flag
A duplicate listing or message offering the same item cheaper and pushing off-platform payment.
What to do first
Confirm you are dealing with the genuine seller and keep payment on the platform.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a fraudster copies a real seller's photos and details to create a duplicate listing or profile, intercepts buyers, and takes payment off-platform for an item they do not have.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Saw you were interested in my item, I have it cheaper, just message me here and pay by transfer to hold it.' The profile copies the real seller's photos.

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 duplicate listing using the same photos at a lower price
  • A message steering you off the platform to pay
  • A newly created profile copying a real seller
  • Pressure to pay quickly to 'reserve' the item
  • Requests for transfer, gift cards, or deposits

What to do

  • Confirm the seller is genuine through the original listing and profile
  • Keep all communication and payment on the platform
  • Be wary of duplicate listings at suspiciously low prices
  • Report cloned listings and profiles

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid off-platform, contact your bank or payment provider to recover it
  • Report the cloned profile and listing to the platform
  • Keep screenshots of both listings as evidence
  • Warn the genuine seller if you can

What not to do

  • Do not pay off-platform to a seller who contacted you
  • Do not assume a cheaper duplicate is genuine
  • Do not send deposits to 'hold' an item off-platform

Similar scams

Medium risk Marketplace

Bait and Switch Listing Scam

This scam uses an attractive, underpriced listing as bait. Once you enquire, the seller says the item is gone and pressures you toward a different, inferior or overpriced item, or to pay a deposit on a 'similar' one.
High risk Rental

Cloned Rental Listing Scam

In this scam, someone copies a genuine rental listing's photos and description and reposts it at a lower price under their own contact details. They then ask for a deposit or first month's rent before any viewing, then disappear once paid.
High risk Marketplace

Fake Escrow Scam

In a high-value marketplace deal, the other party insists on a specific 'escrow' or 'secure payment' website to hold the funds, but the site is fake and simply collects your money or card details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know I have the real seller?
Use the original listing and profile, check account history and reviews, and keep payment within the platform where protections apply.
Why is the copy cheaper?
A lower price on a duplicate listing is bait to draw you off-platform, where the scammer takes payment for an item they do not have.
I paid the copycat. Can I recover it?
Contact your bank or payment provider to try to recover off-platform payments, report the cloned profile, and keep your evidence.
How do I avoid copycats?
Deal only through the genuine listing, keep communication and payment on the platform, and report duplicates using stolen photos.

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.