For Buyers: Common scams to look out for
We take the safety of our community very seriously and do our best to keep the marketplace a pleasant place for all. Nonetheless, as with any online marketplace or trading site, there may still be unforeseen circumstances.
We want to help ensure you have the best buying experience on Carousell, so here are some common scams to look out for as a buyer! #spotthesigns #spreadthewordonscams
Item not received
Be careful of sellers who go missing-in-action after receiving your payment. You should avoid paying upfront and use Buyer Protection (available in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong) to secure your payment. Alternatively, consider opting for in-person transactions and only proceed with payment after you have received and thoroughly check the item.
Item not as described
Instead of how the item was described on the listing, some sellers may deliver an item that is of a different variation such as size, colour, model or version, or is incomplete or has missing parts, or is damaged or which has one or more undisclosed defects. You should secure your transaction with Buyer Protection, which covers for cases where the item is not received or when item differs significantly from the listing. Alternatively, opt for in-person transactions and perform payment after checking the condition of the item carefully.
👉 Remember: Always check the item carefully during your meet-up to make sure it matches what was agreed in chat.
Electronics: Verify receipts, serial numbers, or model details in chat and in person (do a search online to confirm originality).
Branded Bags: Request authenticity cards, receipts, or certificates and confirm they’re included.
❗If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is ❗
Appliances: Request a demo video and test the item at the meet-up in a safe location.
Event tickets and vouchers: Check the vendor’s terms and conditions before buying, as some may not be valid for resale and could be turned away at entry.
Event tickets and vouchers
Be extra careful when purchasing event tickets and vouchers. When purchasing resale tickets or vouchers, be sure of their terms and condition, which are usually printed on the overleaf. Certain tickets and vouchers may not be eligible for resale and could be rejected by the vendor upon the attempt to use or entry.
Counterfeit goods
Scammers will sometimes offer high-quality, brand-name items at too-good-to-be-true prices. Unfortunately, these items are priced so attractively because they are counterfeit, or ‘knock-off’ replicas. To double check, consider asking the seller for proof of original purchase to guarantee authenticity — for example, if the seller has the receipt and tags of the item. In general, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is!
Pre-Orders
It’s always safer to be extra careful when paying deposits. Some sellers may collect payments then go missing, so do your homework—check reviews and learn from other buyers’ experiences before committing.
In-game Products
Be careful when buying, as some games don’t allow virtual items to be transferred between players. Also, avoid sharing your account details with others, as it can put your account at risk.
Transactions outside of Carousell
Sellers aren't allowed to take deals off the platform, as stated in our Listing Rules. If a seller shares a link or asks you to contact them outside of Carousell, be extra cautious—it could be a scam. For convenience, some sellers have a WhatsApp button on their listing, so there’s no need for them to share their contact details through chat links.