Medium riskMarketplace

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Misrepresented goods (electronics)
Main red flag
'Refurbished' or 'certified' devices priced low from a seller with no real warranty.
What to do first
Buy refurbished only from reputable sellers offering genuine warranties and returns.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

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: 'Refurbished' or 'certified' devices priced low from a seller with no real warranty. Buy refurbished only from reputable sellers offering genuine warranties and returns.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Electronics Deposit Scam or the Blocked Phone Sale 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: 'Certified refurbished laptop, like new, huge discount. No returns, pay by transfer for the best price.'

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: 'Refurbished' or 'certified' devices priced low from a seller with no real warranty.

Red flags to watch for

  • 'Refurbished' or 'certified' with no genuine warranty
  • Prices well below reputable refurbished sellers
  • No returns and irreversible payment requests
  • Vague grading or condition details
  • A seller with no verifiable history

What to do

  • Buy refurbished from reputable sellers with real warranties and returns
  • Ask for the device's condition, grade, and warranty in writing
  • Check the device is not locked or counterfeit on receipt
  • Pay with a method you can dispute

If you already clicked or replied

  • If the device is faulty or fake, open a dispute with the platform or payment provider
  • Keep the listing, messages, and photos as evidence
  • Report the seller's account
  • Verify the device's identifiers and warranty status

What not to do

  • Do not assume 'certified' means genuine without proof
  • Do not pay by irreversible methods
  • Do not accept 'no returns' on costly electronics

Similar scams

High risk Marketplace

Electronics Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a cheap phone, games console, or laptop, then asks you to send a deposit to 'hold' or 'reserve' the item before you can meet or before it ships. After you pay, the seller disappears.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Blocked Phone Sale Scam

A blocked phone sale scam involves a second-hand handset that looks fine but is stolen, blocklisted by its IMEI, or still tied to the previous owner's account. After you pay, the phone may lose network service, refuse to activate, or stay locked behind someone else's login. Checking the IMEI status and confirming any account lock is removed before handing over money is the key protection.

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

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy refurbished tech safely?
Use reputable sellers offering genuine warranties and returns, get the grade and condition in writing, and pay by a method you can dispute.
Is 'certified refurbished' always genuine?
Not from unverified sellers. The term can be misused to sell faulty, locked, or counterfeit devices. Confirm the warranty and check the device on receipt.
I received a faulty or fake device. What now?
Open a dispute with your payment provider or the platform, provide your evidence, and report the seller.
How can I check a device is genuine?
Verify its identifiers, confirm it is not locked to an account, and check the stated warranty with the manufacturer where possible.

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.