Easton Secure Solutions

Online Marketplace Scams in New York: How to Avoid Fake Sellers

ES

Sep 08, 2025By Easton Secure Solutions

Ever scrolled through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and spotted the perfect deal? Maybe it was a brand-new iPhone at half the retail price, or a beautiful Brooklyn apartment that seemed almost too affordable. Your excitement builds, but a small voice in your head whispers, “Is this real?”

In New York, where online buying and selling are everyday habits, scams have become just as common as coffee carts on street corners. Fake sellers know how to play the game, preying on trust and urgency. For many people, the aftermath of a scam isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. That feeling of being deceived lingers long after the money is gone.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these scams can be. More importantly, we’ve helped clients find answers, gather evidence, and reclaim peace of mind. In this article, we’ll break down how online marketplace scams work, how to avoid them, and what steps you can take if you’ve already been targeted.

 
Why Marketplace Scams Are Growing in New York


Online marketplaces thrive on convenience, but they also lack the safety nets of traditional retailers. That gap creates opportunity for fraudsters. Scammers use stolen photos, fake profiles, and pushy sales tactics to trick buyers into paying for goods or services that don’t exist.

Here are some of the most common scams we investigate across NYC and Long Island:

  1. Counterfeit products – Fake sneakers, handbags, or electronics passed off as authentic.
  2. Rental property scams – Apartments listed by “landlords” who don’t actually own them.
  3. Phony deposits – A seller demanding money up front, then vanishing.
    Overpayment tricks – Fraudsters sending a fake check and asking for the difference back.
  4. Non-delivery scams – Buyers pay, but the product never arrives.


According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with online shopping scams ranking near the top. In a city like New York, where deals move fast and people are always on the go, scammers exploit that urgency.

 
A Real Story: When a "Great Deal" Turns Sour


Let’s take the case of Anthony, a Queens resident looking for a laptop for his daughter before the new school year. On Facebook Marketplace, he found a MacBook listed for nearly half the store price. The seller claimed he was relocating and needed to sell quickly.

Anthony messaged the seller, who responded instantly, urging him to transfer money through Zelle to “hold” the laptop. Against his better judgment, Anthony sent the money—only to watch the listing disappear hours later. The seller blocked him, and his money was gone.

Frustrated and embarrassed, Anthony contacted Easton Secure Solutions LLC. We traced digital breadcrumbs, connecting the fraudulent listing to a network of accounts running similar scams across NYC. Armed with our report, Anthony not only filed a stronger police complaint but also learned valuable steps to avoid future fraud.

Scams like Anthony’s aren’t rare—they happen every day. But with vigilance and professional help, they can be stopped.

 
How to Spot a Fake Seller


The good news? Marketplace scams often leave clues if you know what to look for. Here are some red flags:

  • New profiles with little history – Scammers rarely keep accounts long-term.
  • Stock or stolen photos – Run a quick Google reverse image search to see if the photos appear elsewhere.
  • Untraceable payment requests – CashApp, gift cards, or wire transfers are nearly impossible to recover.
  • High-pressure tactics – “Someone else is interested—send money now!” is a classic trick.
  • Too-good-to-be-true pricing – A $2,500 laptop for $700? That’s not a bargain; it’s bait.


Tip: Whenever possible, meet sellers in a safe, public location like a Police Station and only pay after confirming the product is real.

 
How Easton Secure Solutions LLC Helps Protect Buyers


As a licensed New York private investigation firm, Easton Secure Solutions LLC specializes in protecting clients from fraud and uncovering the truth when scams occur.

Our investigative services include:


We serve New York City and Long Island, with nationwide remote capabilities. Whether you need preventive checks before a purchase or investigative support after a scam, we provide answers with professionalism and discretion.

 
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Scammed


If you realize you’ve fallen victim to an online scam, time is critical. Here’s what you should do:

  • Collect evidence – Save all emails, texts, listings, and receipts.
  • Report the scam – Notify the marketplace platform (Facebook, Craigslist, OfferUp).
  • File a complaint – Contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office or the FTC.
  • Freeze your accounts – If you shared personal information, alert your bank or credit card company.
  • Call a private investigator – A professional can trace the scammer, strengthen your case, and help protect you from repeat fraud.
     

    The Bottom Line

    Online marketplaces are part of modern life, but scammers know how to exploit trust and urgency—especially in fast-moving cities like New York. Whether it’s a fake rental, a counterfeit item, or a seller who disappears, the impact goes beyond money. It’s about peace of mind.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we believe you deserve clarity and protection. If something feels “off” with a deal, don’t ignore your instincts. And if you’ve already been scammed, don’t face it alone—we’re here to help.

 
Easton Secure Solutions LLC
Licensed NYS Private Investigator #11000228434

☎️ Call: (516) 962-1267
✉️ Email: [email protected]
💻 Website: https://eastonsecuresolutions.com
📅 Schedule: Book a 30-Min Consultation
📝 Intake Form: Submit Your Case
🔎 Verify Our License: NYS License Lookup