Online classifieds in Pakistan have become a common hunting ground for scammers. Whether you're buying or selling, knowing the patterns these scams follow will protect you from losing money. This guide covers the most common scams and practical ways to avoid them.
The most common classifieds scams in Pakistan
1. Advance payment scams
A "buyer" contacts you about your item, agrees to your price without negotiating, then says they can't meet in person but will send a courier — and asks you to send the item after an advance payment. The payment screenshot they send is fake. Once you send the item, you never hear from them again.
Rule: Never send any item to someone you haven't met in person. Cash on handover, always.
2. Fake photos and stolen images
Scam listings use photos stolen from other websites or previous listings to make a non-existent item look real. The "seller" has no actual item — they collect deposits or advance payments and disappear.
Rule: Only trust listings with live photos of the actual item. On Sellz.pk, all photos must be taken in real time with a camera — gallery uploads are blocked, making this scam impossible on the platform.
3. Fake bank transfer screenshots
A buyer meets you in person (or arranges collection) and shows you a screenshot of a bank transfer as proof of payment. The screenshot is edited or the transfer is initiated but immediately reversed. You hand over the item believing you've been paid.
Rule: For bank transfers, wait until the money actually appears in your account balance — not just a notification or screenshot. Ideally, collect cash for high-value items.
4. Easypaisa and JazzCash reversal fraud
Mobile wallet transactions can sometimes be reversed after the fact, especially if the scammer reports the transaction as fraudulent to the wallet company. You see the money arrive, hand over the item, then the money disappears.
Rule: For significant amounts, use bank transfer and wait for settlement, or use cash. Mobile wallets are fine for small amounts when you know the buyer.
5. "I'll send a helper to collect" scams
A buyer agrees to your item and price, then says they'll send someone else to collect. The "helper" arrives, inspects the item, and either claims the item isn't as described (to pressure a lower price) or attempts to take it without paying.
Rule: If a buyer sends someone else, treat that person as the buyer. Confirm payment in full before handing over anything. Don't be pressured into a discount at the handover point.
6. Identity fraud
Someone poses as a legitimate seller using a profile created with someone else's identity. They collect payment for items they don't own.
Rule: On Sellz.pk, every seller's CNIC is verified by the team before they can post. This makes identity fraud on the platform significantly harder than on anonymous platforms.
General safety rules for classifieds in Pakistan
- Meet in a public place with other people around — not your home or a quiet location
- Inspect the item thoroughly before paying
- Never pay a deposit or advance without seeing and inspecting the item in person
- For vehicles and property, verify all documents and complete official transfers
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, walk away
- Keep records of all communication in case of a dispute
What to do if you've been scammed
Report the incident to FIA Cybercrime at fia.gov.pk or call their helpline at 9911. Also report to the platform where the transaction happened. Keep all screenshots and communication records — these are required for any complaint.
Buying and selling on CNIC-verified platforms significantly reduces your exposure to these scams. When a seller's real identity is on file, the incentive to defraud drops sharply.