Firesale is built for trust and simplicity — but like all online platforms, scammers may try to take advantage of users. We work hard to catch and remove suspicious activity, but staying alert is the best way to protect yourself.
Here are some common red flags and how to avoid them:
🚫 Common Scams from Buyers
1. Overpayment Offers
A buyer offers to “accidentally” pay more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference.
⚠️ Don’t fall for it. This is a classic scam involving fake payment receipts or fraudulent checks. Only accept the remaining 90% in person, using a method you’re comfortable with (cash, Venmo, etc.).
2. Requests to move off-platform
Buyers who immediately ask for your phone number or email and want to “continue the deal elsewhere.”
⚠️ Stay on Firesale. All communication should go through our anonymous email system, which protects your info and keeps a record if anything goes wrong.
3. Rushing or pressuring the transaction
Scammers often create a sense of urgency — “I’ll pay now if you meet in 10 minutes” or “You have to ship this right away.”
⚠️ Trust your instincts. A legit buyer will be respectful and flexible.
🚫 Common Scams from Sellers
1. Listing fake or misrepresented items
A listing that looks too good to be true — high-value items at unusually low prices, especially with vague or reused images.
⚠️ Be cautious. Firesale listings are created with video to cut down on fakes, but always inspect the item in person before handing over the remaining 90% payment.
2. Seller doesn’t show up or flakes repeatedly
If a seller disappears after a deposit is made, it could be a scam attempt.
✅ Good news: Firesale Purchase Protection ensures your 10% deposit is refunded if the seller never delivers or the deal falls through for any legitimate reason.
3. Requests for full payment outside Firesale
A seller asks you to pay the full amount through another platform or service, like Zelle, PayPal, or bank transfer — bypassing Firesale’s deposit system.
⚠️ Never do this. Our Purchase Protection only applies when you pay through Firesale. Off-platform deposit payments = no protection.
🧠 How Firesale helps protect you
Anonymous email communication so your contact info stays private
Verified seller badges to build trust
10% deposit model that locks in transactions and helps filter out flakes
Free Purchase Protection on every transaction made through the platform
Trust & Safety Team monitoring for suspicious behavior
🚨 If you suspect a scam...
Don’t continue the transaction
Don’t share personal or payment info
Report the user or listing immediately via the app
Or contact Firesale support →
Firesale is built for safe, simple, local buying and selling — and by staying alert, you help us keep it that way. A little caution goes a long way toward a great experience.