Introduction
You’re scrolling through a Facebook group or checking DMs on Instagram, and boom—someone's selling exactly what you’re looking for. The price is right, the timing perfect. But you have a fear of getting scammed. But what if I tell you there is a secure way to buy now.
With peer-to-peer online buying becoming the norm, especially across platforms like OLX, WhatsApp, and Facebook Marketplace, scams have skyrocketed too. Whether it’s concert tickets, second-hand phones, or home appliances—knowing how to buy safely from someone online is no longer optional.
In this article, we break down practical, battle-tested tips shared by real people who’ve been there, done that—and sometimes, unfortunately, got scammed. Let’s make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Before You Buy: Assess the Seller
Before even negotiating the price, validate seller's authenticity: Here’s a 1 minute checklist:
- Ask for a timestamped photo: Not just the item, but with a handwritten note showing the current date.
- Inspect their profile: Does their profile look real or recently created? Look at their posts, friend count, and activity.
- Try searching their previous transactions: If it’s a facebook group try searching their name in the group and check if they are reported for scams by other people.
💬 Reddit user “bluedaymoonlight” on r/Scams says:
“When I asked for a timestamped pic, the seller ghosted me. That told me everything I needed to know.”
Red Flags in Seller Communication
Even if the item looks great, pay close attention to how the seller communicates:
- Are they pushing you to pay quickly? Phrases like “first come first serve” or “a lot of people are interested” are common scammer tactics.
- Are they refusing a live video demo? A genuine seller will usually be okay showing the product live.
- Is the price way below market rate? Huge discounts often come with hidden costs (like losing your money entirely).
- Are they the actual seller or just a middleman? Be wary if the person claims the item belongs to a "friend" and asks you not to disclose the price. Legitimate sellers are typically upfront about owning the item themselves.
Payment Safety: Never Pay Upfront Without Protection
Here’s the harsh truth: once your money is gone, there’s often no way to get it back. To protect yourself:
- Avoid QR Codes, scammers often send qr codes that withdraw money instead.
- Don’t pay directly throuågh UPI, not even 50% or any advance.
- If you must pay digitally, choose an escrow platform that protects your funds until the item is received.
That’s where tools like PayShri come in. Instead of trusting a stranger with your money, PayShri acts as a middle layer—holding the payment securely until you confirm everything’s good. No delivery? You get refunded.
Meeting in Person? Still Stay Cautious
Sometimes the seller you are dealing with lives in the same city as yours, which sounds perfect for not getting scam. But face-to-face doesn’t always mean safe. Use these tips:
- Choose public places with cameras, like coffee shops, shopping malls.
- Never go alone, especially if the item is expensive. A second pair of eyes adds safety and witnesses.
- Inspect the product thoroughly before handing over money(What if you could have a day to try it out before paying, that would have been awesome...)
💬 A Reddit user from r/Concerts shared:
“I only meet in daylight at busy cafés. Once someone insisted on a side street meetup—instant red flag. I backed out.”
Remember: No deal is worth compromising your safety for.
Safer Payment Options: Use Escrow, Not Trust
When dealing with strangers, trust is the only factor which makes or breaks the deal.
Here are your best shots:
- Escrow platforms like PayShri ensure the seller only receives funds after you approve the transaction.
- Cash on Delivery or Face-To-Face Deals can work but are not the best choice.
- Avoid wallet-to-wallet UPI or direct bank transfers—if the seller disappears, there's no one to reach out.
With PayShri, the money stays in a secure vault, not the seller’s pocket. You inspect the item, confirm it, and only then is the payment released. It’s like COD—only digital, safer, and smarter.
Conclusion
Buying from someone online doesn’t have to feel like walking through a scam minefield. Whether you are shopping for used furnitures, limited-edition sneakers, or last-minute concert tickets, that the fear of sending money upfront is a common concern that each of us face. Use tools like PayShri to make your deal worry-free and never feel pressured into rushing a transaction. Because in a world full of online sellers, the safest buyers are the ones who ask the right questions—and use the right tools.