High riskMarketplace Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake payment service scam
Main red flag
The other party insists on one specific 'escrow' site they chose to hold the payment.
What to do first
Do not pay or enter card details on a site someone else picked. Pause the deal and verify the escrow service independently.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Great, I'll take the car. For both our safety let's use this secure escrow service to hold the funds. Just register and deposit the amount here and it releases once you collect: [suspicious link]'

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

  • The other party insists on one specific escrow site they chose
  • An escrow domain you cannot independently verify or that looks slightly off
  • Pressure to deposit funds quickly to 'secure' the item
  • A site that asks for full card details rather than a normal checkout
  • Reluctance to use a well-known marketplace's own protected payment option

What to do

  • Pause the deal and research the escrow service independently
  • Prefer the marketplace's own built-in, protected payment method where possible
  • Confirm any escrow company through its official, verified contact details
  • Walk away if the other party will only use their chosen payment site

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter or submit any further payment details
  • If you entered card details, contact your bank to flag or freeze the card
  • If you sent a transfer, contact your bank immediately to try to recall it
  • Save the messages and the web address as evidence for your report

What not to do

  • Do not use an escrow site the other party insists on
  • Do not send a bank transfer to 'hold' funds for a stranger
  • Do not share full card details on an unfamiliar payment page

Similar scams

High risk Marketplace

Car Deposit Scam

This scam uses an underpriced vehicle listing where the seller claims to be away and asks for a deposit or full payment through gift cards, wire transfer, or a fake escrow service before you can inspect the car.
High risk Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace Buyer Email Scam

A fake buyer claims to have paid through an email service and asks you to confirm a fee or send the 'difference' before any real money arrives.
High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.

Frequently asked questions

Isn't escrow supposed to make deals safer?
Genuine escrow can, but scammers set up fake escrow sites that look the part. The risk is letting the other party pick a service you have not verified yourself.
How do I check if an escrow site is real?
Research the company independently, confirm its details through official sources, and be wary of any site only ever mentioned by the person you are dealing with.
The site looks professional. Doesn't that prove it's safe?
A polished site is easy to build and does not prove anything. Scammers often copy real branding, so appearance alone is not enough to trust it with money.
I already deposited the funds. What now?
Contact your bank or card provider immediately to try to stop or recall the payment, and report it to the marketplace and your national anti-fraud centre.

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.