Medium riskMarketplace

Counterfeit Parts Scam

In this scam, counterfeit or substandard spare parts, such as car components, phone batteries, or appliance parts, are sold as genuine at low prices, risking safety and failure as well as wasted money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Counterfeit goods (spare parts)
Main red flag
'Genuine' spare parts sold well below normal by an unverified seller.
What to do first
Buy parts from authorised dealers and verify part numbers and packaging.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, counterfeit or substandard spare parts, such as car components, phone batteries, or appliance parts, are sold as genuine at low prices, risking safety and failure as well as wasted money.

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 single clearest warning sign to remember is this: 'Genuine' spare parts sold well below normal by an unverified seller. Buy parts from authorised dealers and verify part numbers and packaging.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam or the Refurbished Electronics Scam, browse the Marketplace Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

$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

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Genuine OEM part, brand new, half price! In stock, pay by transfer for fast shipping.'

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.

Why this is a red flag: 'Genuine' spare parts sold well below normal by an unverified seller.

Red flags to watch for

  • 'Genuine' parts priced well below normal
  • No authorised dealer or warranty
  • Vague part numbers or mismatched packaging
  • Payment by transfer with no protection
  • A seller with no verifiable history

What to do

  • Buy from authorised dealers or reputable suppliers
  • Verify part numbers, packaging, and warranty
  • Be wary of safety-critical parts sold cheaply
  • Pay with a method you can dispute

If you already clicked or replied

  • If parts are fake or substandard, stop using them, especially safety-critical ones
  • Open a dispute with your payment provider or platform
  • Keep the listing, packaging, and messages as evidence
  • Report the seller

What not to do

  • Do not fit counterfeit safety-critical parts
  • Do not buy 'genuine' parts far below market
  • Do not pay by irreversible methods

Similar scams

Medium risk Marketplace

Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam

In this scam, a seller lists counterfeit designer items as authentic at tempting prices, often with stock photos, and ships a fake, a lower-quality copy, or nothing at all.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Refurbished Electronics Scam

In this scam, a seller advertises phones, laptops, or consoles as 'refurbished' or 'certified', but the devices are faulty, counterfeit, locked, or far lower grade than claimed, with no real warranty.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Marketplace

Fake Supplier Scam

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Why are counterfeit parts dangerous?
Beyond wasting money, fake car, battery, or appliance parts can fail or cause fires and accidents. Safety-critical parts especially should be genuine.
How do I verify a part is genuine?
Buy from authorised dealers, check part numbers and packaging, confirm the warranty, and be wary of 'genuine' parts sold far below market.
I bought a counterfeit part. What now?
Stop using it, especially if safety-critical, open a dispute with your payment provider or platform, keep evidence, and report the seller.
Is a half-price genuine part realistic?
Rarely. Deep discounts on 'genuine' parts often mean counterfeits. Verify the source and packaging before buying.

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.