Fake Payment Screenshot (Marketplace)
A buyer sends a forged 'payment sent' screenshot to get you to hand over the item before you realize no money arrived.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
During a sale, the buyer sends a screenshot showing a completed payment and pushes you to ship or hand over the item. The image is edited or fake, or from a payment that will be reversed. Because it looks convincing, sellers release goods before checking their actual balance. The rule that defeats it: trust only money you can see settled in your own account.
What it usually looks like
- A payment 'confirmation' screenshot instead of money in your account.
- Pressure to ship or meet immediately.
- A 'pending' or 'processing' story to explain the delay.
- A buyer who avoids in-person cash or verified transfer.
Common warning signs
- Proof of payment is a screenshot, not your real balance.
- Urgency to release the item now.
- Explanations for why the money 'hasn't shown yet.'
- Requests to ship before funds settle.
Example wording scammers use
“Payment sent — here's the screenshot. Please ship today, it'll clear shortly.”
“I paid already, see attached. Can you drop it off now?”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your item before you notice no money came.
- To exploit trust in a screenshot.
- A fast handoff.
What to do
- Only release goods after money has settled in your own account.
- Ignore screenshots as proof.
- Prefer verified payment or in-person cash for local sales.
- Walk away if pressured.
What to do if you already responded
- Report to the payment app and the marketplace.
- Keep the messages and screenshot as evidence.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.