Case File: The Fake Payment Link That Targets Sellers, Not Buyers
Most scam advice focuses on paying safely. But in this week's case file, the person who loses money is the seller — and the trick is a fake payment link that looks completely genuine.
How the scam works
A seller lists an item — often a phone, a games console, or something else with a decent resale value. A buyer gets in touch, agrees a price quickly, and says they'll send the money through a payment link. The link arrives by message. It has the marketplace's logo, the right colours, and even a padlock icon.
The seller clicks, enters their bank details to 'receive' the money, and waits. The money never arrives. Instead, the scammer now has the information needed to access the account.
Why it works
We're all taught to be careful when we pay. We're far less careful when we think we're getting paid. The scam also relies on urgency — the buyer says the money is 'on hold' and needs the seller to confirm their account. That pressure is the tell.
Who's affected
Anyone selling online can be targeted, but reports show high-value items are common because the sums justify the effort. Teenagers selling consoles and parents clearing out the loft are just as exposed as regular traders.
What to do if you've clicked
Contact your bank straight away. Change the password on the affected account. Report the listing and the user to the marketplace. Speed matters more than anything else.
The one rule to remember
You never need to enter your bank details to receive money. If a buyer sends you a payment link, stop, and complete the sale through the platform's own payment system. Have that conversation with anyone in your household who sells online — it takes two minutes and it works.
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