The vast majority of Wallapop users are legitimate, but there could be a small minority who try to scam and defraud users.
We use sophisticated tools to detect and remove scams, and we also encourage all our users to learn how to identify scammers. It's unlikely that you’ll encounter a scammer, but if you do, report them to us. Together we can help keep Wallapop a safe and secure community.
Below, we help you identify the most common scams:
Asking for your bank details to ‘confirm a sale’
A common scam is for a user acting as a fake buyer to convince you to share your credit card or debit card number.
How the scam works: a fake buyer says they’ve bought your item. Then they pretend to be Wallapop and message telling you to click a link to complete the sale, or to claim your money.
If you click the link and give your credit card or debit card number, the scammer will steal your money. The message can come via the chat, email, Whatsapp or SMS, and often looks very convincing.
Example of this kind of scam message:
How to tell it’s a scam:
- Wallapop will never send you a message asking for financial information. The only place to add your bank card number is in the app, in the section ‘Wallet’
- Buyers shouldn’t be involved in how you receive the money. If they’re giving you information about how to get the payment, be suspicious
- Is the buyer pressuring you to talk on WhatsApp or email? Scammers know the Wallapop Chat has in-built protection, and it’s easier for them to send you links to scam websites on other platforms
What to do if you suspect it’s a scam:
- Don’t click any links
- Don’t give your email address or phone number
- Report the user to Wallapop
- Block the user so they can’t message you again
Wanting money to reserve or ship an item
Another scam is for a scammer to ask for money to reserve the item, or to ship the items themselves.
How the scam works: the scammer wants you to send them money in advance via Bizum, PayPal or bank transfer. They might say they don’t trust Wallapop’s shipping or money transfer systems. They might send you fake receipts. If you send the money, they steal it.
Example of this kind of scam message:
How to tell it’s a scam:
- Any request for money from a buyer is a scam
- A seller asking for payment outside of Wallapop is very suspicious
- Wallapop’s integrated shipping is the most secure and convenient option for buyers and sellers. If the buyer doesn’t want to use it, be suspicious
- Wallapop will never message you asking you for your bank details
What to do if you suspect it’s a scam:
- Only send money through the Wallapop app
- Only use the shipping function on the Wallapop app
- Report the user to Wallapop
- Block the user so they can’t message you again
- Don’t click on any links
Strangely written messages
Chat messages from scammers sometimes look strange. Our anti-scam systems automatically removes links and phone numbers, so scammers try to use strange formatting to avoid detection.
Example of this kind of scam message:
Pressuring you to act quickly
Scammers don’t want to give you time to realise it’s a scam. Don’t feel you have to act quickly just because the other user wants you to.
Example of this kind of scam message:
Pressure to leave the Wallapop chat
The Wallapop chat system automatically detects and prevents links to other websites, protecting you from possible scams. If the buyer wants to move to another platform for more photos, you can add them to the item listing instead. An extra benefit is that other potential buyers can see them too.
Example of this kind of scam message:
Staying safe from scams
Remember: if something feels strange, trust your instincts.
- Don’t click any links
- Don’t share financial information
- Don’t feel pressure to act quickly or take an action you think is unusual
Learn more:
How can I tell if an email really belongs to Wallapop?
How can I tell if a website really belongs to Wallapop?
Paying and receiving money safely