Scammers Are Everywhere – Here's How to Outsmart Them
If you've been selling your handmade crafts or running a small business online, you've likely come across a scammer (or ten). From Facebook Marketplace weirdos to sketchy "Shopify support" emails, they’re constantly trying to sneak their way into your wallet. The good news? You can spot them a mile away once you know their tricks. Let's break down the most common scam tactics so you can shut them down before they waste your time (or worse, your money).
1. The Red Flags Are Always the Same
Scammers are lazy. They use the same playbook over and over because, unfortunately, it still works on some people. Here’s what to watch for:
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Odd payment requests – If they want to pay you with Zelle, Venmo, or a “verification code,” run.
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Overly generic messages – “Hello, dear, is this item still available?” (Bonus points if they call you ‘dear.’)
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Weird urgency – “I need this ASAP for my son’s birthday. Please respond quickly!” (Yeah, sure.)
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Poor grammar and awkward wording – Real buyers might have typos, but scammers sound like they wrote their message in Google Translate.
Below is a screenshot of a recent scam that I encountered.
Example Scam Message:
🚩 "Hello, I’m interested in your item. I will send you a code to confirm you are real. Please send the code back to proceed." 🚩
Nope. Hard pass.
2. Always Verify Email Addresses & URLs
Email scams are rampant, especially for online sellers. Did you get a scary email saying your Shopify account will be shut down? Or how about your Cash App account that has an issue? Before you panic (or celebrate), check the sender’s email address.
Spot the Fakes:
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Legitimate emails come from professional domains (e.g., support@shopify.com, not support.shopify@gmail.com).
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Hover over links before clicking—if it looks shady, don’t touch it.
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Google the exact subject line. Scammers aren’t creative; chances are, someone has reported it already.
3. Don’t Share Personal Info or Click Random Links
This should go without saying, but... never share passwords, verification codes, or banking details. Ever.
And those unexpected links scammers send? Clicking them can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login info. No matter how convincing their message sounds, verify before you act.
Remember: No prince in Nigeria is ever going to send you $50.
4. Don’t Engage—Just Block & Report
Trying to "trick the scammer back" or waste their time might seem fun, but it’s not worth it. The best move? Block and report them immediately.
On Facebook Marketplace:
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Click the buyer's profile.
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If they just joined last week and have no posts? Scam.
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Hit Block & Report and move on.
For Emails:
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Mark as spam.
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Report phishing (most email platforms have an option for this).
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If the scammer is impersonating a business (like Shopify), forward the email to their fraud department.
5. Keep Emotions in Check & Think Before You Act
Scammers rely on fear, urgency, or excitement to cloud your judgment. Whether it’s a fake sale inquiry or a threat that your account is in danger, don’t respond emotionally. Take a breath, verify, and act logically.
Ask Yourself: Does this make sense? Have I verified this person or email? Is there an independent way to confirm the claim?
Nine times out of ten, a little skepticism will save you a headache (and possibly some cash).
Bonus: Watch This Scam Breakdown in Action!
I made a short YouTube video about a recent encounter that I had.