Online shoppers in Canada and the United States face a rising wave of fraud as the holiday season approaches. When a seller sends a payment link through a chat or email to complete a purchase, that signal should raise serious alarms. Security researchers note that scammers often intensify their activity before big sale periods, hoping to catch quick, inattentive buyers off guard. The simplest rule remains true: never pay through an external link or messenger. Use the official checkout on the marketplace and trusted payment methods. Being cautious now can prevent financial loss and protect personal data. Red flags include pressure to act fast, requests to use unfamiliar payment apps, and vague or inconsistent product information. — Attribution: North American Security Community.
Fraudsters rely on getting buyers off the marketplace and into chat apps. Across North America scammers push conversations out of the platform, steering buyers into third-party messengers such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or other apps. They claim the marketplace has blocked the transaction or that the outside channel offers a faster or safer route. In practice, that move circumvents built-in protections and message traceability. Buyers who accept are steered toward a so-called safe transaction or an app download. Experts say this tactic aims to bypass platform fees and security controls. The lesson is clear: stay inside the official checkout and avoid moving funds to unknown apps. — Attribution: Market Safety Coalition.
One common trick involves sending fake payment links through instant messengers. The goal is to get the buyer to confirm payment outside the marketplace. The rules of most platforms forbid off-site payments to protect both sides from fraud. If a seller asks you to pay by a link in chat, treat it as a major warning sign and abort the transaction. The risk is real, because the moment the buyer confirms, funds can vanish and recovering them becomes difficult. — Attribution: Financial Security Group.
Another hazard comes through the apps claimed to be necessary for the transaction. The installer may request access to contacts, location, or SMS to capture verification codes. In practice these apps can function as spyware that steals card data and one-time codes used for bank authentication. With those codes, attackers can drain accounts or authorize transfers. The best defense is to avoid downloading unfamiliar payment apps and to keep phone security robust by using official stores, updating software, and reviewing requested permissions. — Attribution: Mobile Security Council.
A different ploy unfolds when sellers claim the item is out of stock after a payment attempt. They then promise a refund but supply a phishing link instead. Entering card details on such a site exposes them to data theft. Consumers should know that reputable sellers and marketplaces handle refunds through the platform, not via external links. If a seller says stock is gone and asks for a refund via a link, step away and initiate a chargeback or dispute through the market’s help center. — Attribution: Consumer Protection Group.
Phishing sites remain effective because they mimic familiar marketplace layouts and domains. A buyer who lands on a fake page clicks through to checkout and inadvertently provides personal information and banking details. Always check the URL carefully, look for HTTPS, and verify the site matches the official marketplace app or site. If in doubt, open a new tab and navigate directly to the marketplace rather than following a link. Phishing sites prey on urgency and trust, especially during busy shopping times. — Attribution: Digital Safety Alliance.
The main signs of a fraudulent listing include prices well below market value, vague product descriptions, and sellers who push for rapid transfers of funds or for sensitive data. Buyers should be cautious of generic stock photos and inconsistently described specs. A legitimate seller typically shows complete details, verified ratings, and clear shipping terms. In North American markets, buyers should examine seller profiles, confirm return policies, and prefer secure, escrow-supported payment methods when offered by the platform. — Attribution: Consumer Experience Council.
To protect themselves, shoppers should rely on official marketplace tools, enable two-factor authentication on accounts, use payment cards with strong fraud protections, and report suspicious activity immediately. If something feels wrong, pause and verify by contacting the seller through the platform, reviewing order history, and checking for platform notices about scams. Banks and payment providers advise keeping devices updated and using reputable antivirus software. Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies continue to alert the public about evolving fraud schemes so staying informed matters. Keep a record of conversations and avoid sharing personal data through untrusted channels. By sticking to official channels and trusting the platform’s security features, buyers in Canada and the United States can reduce risk substantially. — Attribution: Consumer Safety Network.