Medium riskMarketplace

Device Buyback Scam

In this scam, a device buyback or trade-in service offers a great price for your phone or laptop, but after you post it they slash the offer citing 'faults', underpay drastically, or keep the device entirely.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Underpayment / non-return (seller-targeted)
Main red flag
A mail-in buyback that values your device only after you send it, then slashes the offer.
What to do first
Use reputable buyers with clear terms; back up and wipe the device first.

What to know first

In this scam, a device buyback or trade-in service offers a great price for your phone or laptop, but after you post it they slash the offer citing 'faults', underpay drastically, or keep the device entirely.

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 mail-in buyback that values your device only after you send it, then slashes the offer. Use reputable buyers with clear terms; back up and wipe the device first.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Cash for Gold Scam and the Trade-In Swap 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 service that revalues only after you post the device
  • Offers far above other buyers to lure you
  • Vague terms on returns if you decline
  • Pressure to accept a lowered offer
  • A buyer you cannot verify

Staying safe

  • Use reputable buyers with clear, fixed terms
  • Back up and factory-reset the device, and remove accounts
  • Keep proof of postage and the device's serial number
  • Compare offers and be wary of outliers

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Top price for your phone! Post it free and we'll pay on arrival.' The offer then drops sharply or the device is not returned.

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 mail-in buyback that values your device only after you send it, then slashes the offer.

Steps if you already acted

  • If underpaid or the device is withheld, dispute it and request its return in writing
  • Remotely wipe and unlink the device if not returned
  • Keep all correspondence and tracking as evidence
  • Report the company to consumer authorities

Common mistakes

  • Do not post devices before agreeing firm terms
  • Do not skip wiping and unlinking your accounts
  • Do not accept lowball offers under pressure

Scams like this one

Medium risk Marketplace

Cash for Gold Scam

In this scam, a 'cash for gold' mail-in or pop-up service offers to buy your gold, then underpays drastically, undervalues items, or fails to return them, exploiting that you have already sent your valuables.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Trade-In Swap Scam

In this scam, someone offers to trade goods, such as phones or electronics, then swaps the agreed item for a fake, broken, or lower-value one during the exchange, leaving you with something worthless.

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

Your questions answered

How do I sell a device safely?
Use reputable buyers with clear fixed terms, back up and factory-reset the device, remove your accounts, keep proof of postage, and compare offers.
They slashed the offer after I posted it. What now?
Dispute it in writing, request the device back, remotely wipe and unlink it if not returned, keep evidence, and report the company.
Why are mail-in buybacks risky?
Once you post the device, the buyer controls the valuation and may underpay or withhold it, leaving you little recourse.
Should I wipe my device first?
Yes. Back up, factory-reset, and remove all accounts and locks before sending, so your data is protected if the device is not returned.

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.