Marketplace Scams: Buying & Selling Tools Online

Online marketplaces and classifieds are a great way to buy and sell used tools, trucks, trailers and equipment. They’re also full of scammers, on both sides of the sale. Most scams fall apart if you deal locally, in person, and get paid in a way you can verify.

• Workers
• Contractors
• Everyone

Scams targeting sellers

• Fake payment notices: an email that looks like it’s from a payment app says you’ve been paid, but you haven’t. Check your actual account, not the email.
• Overpayment: a buyer “accidentally” sends too much and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment later reverses.
• Verification code scam: a buyer asks you to read back a code “to prove you’re real.” It’s actually a code to take over your account or set up a phone number in your name. Never share codes.
• Shipping scams: a buyer who can’t meet sends a “shipping agent” or asks you to pay for shipping insurance.

Scams targeting buyers

• Items that don’t exist: a low price, and the seller wants a deposit before you see it.
• Stolen tools and equipment: buying stolen goods can mean losing them, and the money, when police recover them. Check serial numbers, and be wary of piles of new tools at low prices.
• Vehicle and trailer scams: sellers who are “deployed” or “moved away” and want payment before shipping, or titles that don’t match. Check the VIN.
• Rental scams: fake listings for apartments or equipment that ask for deposits.

Safe buying and selling

• Deal locally and meet in person in a busy public place. Many police stations have safe exchange zones.
• Bring someone with you, and tell someone where you’re going.
• Inspect and test the item before paying. Bring a battery or cord for power tools.
• Use cash for in-person deals, or a payment method you’ve confirmed has arrived in your account.
• Keep communication on the marketplace’s messaging system.
• Never pay a deposit to hold an item you haven’t seen.

• Don’t share verification codes, your address or extra personal information.
• Don’t accept checks or overpayments.
• Don’t use payment app “friends and family” options with strangers. See Payment App Scams.

Protect your own tools

Engrave or mark your tools, record serial numbers and take photos, so stolen tools can be identified if they show up for sale. Report stolen tools to police with that information.

Last updated: October 1, 2026