Buying second-hand products is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular across Europe. Millions of people use platforms like Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios to find everything from a refurbished iPhone to furniture for an entire apartment. And the vast majority of those transactions are completed without any issues whatsoever.
That said, the growth of the market has also attracted fraudsters who take advantage of the trust between private individuals. Knowing how to spot the warning signs and applying a few basic security measures is all you need to buy second-hand safely and avoid unpleasant surprises. In this guide we give you the keys to protect yourself.
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1. The second-hand market is safe (if you know how)
The second-hand market moves more than 5 billion euros a year and continues to grow. According to industry studies, more than 90% of private transactions are completed without incident. It is an ecosystem that works, backed by platforms that have invested millions in verification systems, secure payments and dispute resolution.
The circular economy is booming for three clear reasons: the financial savings compared to buying new, the environmental awareness of younger generations, and the convenience offered by today's mobile apps. Buying second-hand no longer carries the stigma it once did; today it is a smart choice made by all kinds of people, from university students to high-income families.
That said, as with any open market, risks do exist. The good news is that the vast majority of Wallapop scams, Vinted frauds or Milanuncios cons follow very recognisable patterns. Once you know them, you can avoid them easily. Let's go through them one by one.
2. The 7 most common second-hand scams
Understanding the tactics that scammers use is the best way to protect yourself. These are the seven most frequent types of second-hand fraud in 2025 and 2026.
1. Payment outside the platform
This is the most widespread scam and also the easiest to avoid. The seller asks you to pay via bank transfer, Bizum or PayPal outside the platform, promising a "discount" or claiming it will "save you both the commission fees". Once you make the payment, they disappear. Outside the platform there is no buyer protection and no way to make a claim.
2. Product that does not match the photos
The seller uses photos taken from the internet or from another listing to present a product in perfect condition, but what arrives has obvious defects, is a different brand, or is an entirely different item. This is especially common with electronics and branded trainers.
3. Ghost shipment
The scammer confirms the shipment and even provides a tracking number that turns out to be fake or belongs to another parcel. In some cases they send an empty envelope or an object of no value so that the system records it as "delivered".
4. Phishing with fake links
You receive a message, supposedly from the platform, with a link to "confirm your payment" or "verify your account". When you click, you land on a website that mimics Wallapop or Vinted and asks you to enter your card details. It is a fake page designed to steal your banking information.
5. Overpayment with a cheque or Bizum
The supposed buyer pays you more than agreed "by mistake" and asks you to return the difference. The original payment turns out to be fraudulent (a bounced cheque or a Bizum from a compromised account) and you end up losing the money you transferred back.
6. Stolen goods
Electronics sold at suspiciously low prices, without original packaging, without a receipt and with no way of verifying their origin. Buying stolen goods, even in good faith, can cause you legal problems. Furthermore, devices such as iPhones or iPads may be iCloud-locked without you discovering this until after you have paid.
7. Newly created accounts with no reviews
A brand-new profile, with no photo, no description and no previous ratings, that lists high-value products at irresistible prices. This is the classic pattern of accounts created specifically to commit fraud. It does not mean every new account is fraudulent, but it does mean you should take extra precautions.
⚠️ Golden rule against scams:
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A latest-generation iPhone at €200 when its second-hand market value is €600 should trigger every alarm bell. Scammers rely on your desire to find a bargain to make you lower your guard.
3. Safety checklist before you buy
Before committing to any second-hand purchase, go through this checklist. These are simple steps that can save you significant trouble.
✅ Checklist for buying second-hand safely:
- Account age: Check when the seller's account was created. An account that is months or years old with several completed sales is far more trustworthy than a newly created one
- Ratings and reviews: Read the feedback left by other buyers. Pay attention not just to the score, but to the content of the comments. If they are generic or all sound the same, be wary
- Ask for real photos: Request additional photos of the actual product from the seller, ideally with a piece of paper showing the current date written by hand or your username. This confirms they actually have the item
- Meet in a public place: For in-person handovers, always choose a busy public location: the entrance to a shopping centre, a police station, or a café. Never go alone to a stranger's home
- Use the platform's payment system: Wallapop Shipping and Vinted both offer buyer protection. If you pay outside the app, you lose any chance of making a claim
- Verify serial numbers: For electronics, ask for the serial number or IMEI before buying. You can check whether an Apple device is iCloud-locked or whether a phone's IMEI has been reported as stolen
- Compare prices: If the price is significantly lower than other similar listings without a stated reason (declared defects, urgent move), be cautious
- Save the entire conversation: Take screenshots of the listing, the chat with the seller and the payment receipt. These will serve as evidence if you need to make a claim
If you are looking for a specific product such as a smartphone, we recommend our dedicated guide to buying a second-hand iPhone, where we detail the technical checks you should carry out.
4. Platform protection: Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios
Not all platforms offer the same level of buyer protection. Understanding the security tools available on each one allows you to make better decisions about how to pay and how to arrange delivery.
Wallapop: Shipping with buyer protection
Wallapop offers its Wallapop Shipping system, which acts as an intermediary: you pay within the app and the seller does not receive the money until you confirm the product has arrived in good order. If the item is not what you expected, you can open a dispute and Wallapop mediates between both parties. For in-person sales, however, there is no official protection, so meet in a public place and inspect the product before paying.
Vinted: Automatic Buyer Protection
Vinted includes buyer protection on all transactions carried out through the platform. When you pay using the "Buy" button, an insurance policy is automatically activated that covers cases where the product does not arrive, arrives damaged, or does not match the description. You have 2 days after receipt to report a problem. It is the most comprehensive system of the three platforms.
Milanuncios: less protection, better in person
Milanuncios does not have an integrated payment system or buyer protection. Transactions are managed directly between private individuals, usually by phone or email. This means that if something goes wrong, there is no platform to mediate. For this reason, the recommendation for Milanuncios is clear: whenever possible, buy in person, verify the product before paying and never transfer money to strangers.
⚠️ Important note about Bizum:
Bizum is designed for payments between people who know each other, not as a buying and selling system. It offers no buyer protection and no way to reverse a payment once made. If a seller insists you pay via Bizum instead of using the platform's system, this is a serious red flag. Always use the official payment method of each app.
For a more detailed comparison of the three platforms, check out our Wallapop vs Vinted vs Milanuncios guide.
5. What to do if you get scammed
If despite taking precautions you end up falling victim to a scam, it is essential to act quickly. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of recovering your money or at least preventing others from falling for the same trick.
1. Report the seller on the platform
The first step is to report the seller within the app itself. Both Wallapop and Vinted have mechanisms for reporting fraudulent profiles. Provide all the evidence you have: screenshots of the listing, the conversation, payment receipts and photos of the product received (if anything arrived). The platform can block the scammer's account and, if you used their payment system, refund your money.
2. File a police report
Go to your nearest police station and file a formal report. In many countries you can also do this online through the relevant official channels. Bring all the documentation: screenshots, the seller's details, payment receipts and a tracking number if applicable. Without a formal report, an investigation cannot be opened.
3. Request a chargeback from your bank
If you paid by credit or debit card, contact your bank and request a chargeback. Banks typically allow up to 120 days to dispute fraudulent transactions. If you paid by bank transfer, recovery is more difficult, but you should still report the fraud to your bank so it is on record.
4. Share your experience
Warn other buyers by leaving comments on forums, social media or consumer platforms. Scammers often reuse the same methods across different accounts, and your account of what happened can prevent others from falling into the same trap.
📋 Data you should always keep:
- Screenshots of the original listing and the seller's profile
- The entire conversation (do not delete any messages)
- Proof of payment (Bizum screenshot, bank statement, platform receipt)
- Shipment tracking number (if applicable)
- Photos of the product received, if what arrived differed from what was advertised
6. Buy smarter with automatic alerts
One of the reasons people fall for scams is the sense of urgency. You have been searching for a specific product for weeks, it finally appears at an incredible price and your first impulse is to buy it without a second thought. Scammers know this and play on that desperation.
The best defence against this is having plenty of options to choose from. And that is where MitikLive's automatic alerts make all the difference. When you set up alerts for the product you are looking for, you receive notifications every time a new listing appears on Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios. That means you are not dependent on a single offer: you can compare, verify the seller at your own pace and choose the safest option.
More options = safer purchases
When you have five sellers offering the same product at similar prices, you can rule out suspicious profiles without fear of missing out. If one account was just created, move on to the next. If another refuses to send real photos, move on to the next. Having an abundance of options gives you the power to be selective and not rush into anything.
Never buy out of desperation
With MitikLive alerts monitoring the three main platforms 24 hours a day, you know that sooner or later the product you are looking for will appear at a fair price from a reliable seller. That peace of mind eliminates the rush, and without rushing it is much harder for a scammer to trick you.
If you want to learn how to set up your alerts step by step, check out our guide to creating alerts on Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios. You can also explore which second-hand apps are best suited to what you are looking for.
7. Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy on Wallapop in 2026?
Yes. Wallapop is a safe platform as long as you use its protection tools. Use Wallapop Shipping for protected payments, review the seller's profile and ratings, and be wary of abnormally low prices. The vast majority of transactions are completed without problems.
How do I know if a seller is trustworthy?
Look at the age of the account, the number of positive ratings, the quality of the photos and the consistency of their responses. A trustworthy seller will have no problem sending you additional photos, answering detailed questions about the product, or meeting you in a public place. If they become evasive or try to rush you, it is better to look for another option.
What is the safest payment method for second-hand purchases?
The integrated payment system of each platform is always the safest option: Wallapop Shipping or Vinted's buy button. Both act as intermediaries and hold the money until you confirm receipt. Avoid Bizum, direct bank transfers and, of course, never send cash in the post.
Can I get my money back if I am scammed?
It depends on how you paid. If you used the platform's system (Wallapop Shipping, Vinted), you can open a dispute and have a high chance of recovering your money. If you paid by card, you can request a chargeback from your bank. If you paid via Bizum or bank transfer, recovery is much harder, although you should still file a report.
How does MitikLive help you buy more safely?
MitikLive monitors Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios simultaneously and notifies you when new listings appear. By having many options available, you are never forced to buy from a suspicious seller due to a lack of alternatives. More options mean more power to compare, verify and choose with confidence. Download the app for free and get started with a free account.
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