How to avoid scams when buying or selling second-hand in the UAE

Buying and selling second-hand is one of the best things about living in the UAE. People move often, so there is always a good sofa, phone, bike or car looking for a new owner. Unfortunately, scammers know that too.

The short answer: meet in person, get paid before you hand anything over, never share one-time passwords or card details, and walk away from any deal that feels rushed or too good to be true. Here are the scams to watch for and how to protect yourself.

Common scams when selling

Fake bank transfer receipts

A "buyer" agrees to your price, says they have paid by bank transfer, and shows you a screenshot or a receipt. It looks real, but no money has arrived. By the time you notice, they have left with your item.

How to avoid it: only hand over the item once the money shows in your own banking app. A screenshot, an email or a text is not proof of payment.

"Overpayment" and refund requests

The buyer "accidentally" sends too much and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment later disappears, and you are out the refund and possibly the item.

How to avoid it: never refund an overpayment. Ask the buyer to cancel and resend the correct amount once the original has properly cleared, or cancel the sale.

Requests for OTPs or card details

A buyer says they need your card number, a one-time password or a "verification code" to send you money. They do not. Anyone asking for these is trying to get into your account.

How to avoid it: you only ever need to share your name and, for a transfer, your account number or IBAN. Never share an OTP, PIN, card number, CVV or password with anyone.

The "courier will collect" trick

The buyer says they cannot come in person but will send a courier with the payment, or pay a courier fee through a link. These links often lead to fake payment pages designed to steal your card details.

How to avoid it: do not click payment links sent by buyers. Ask the buyer to collect in person, or only release the item once the money is in your account.

Cheques around weekends and public holidays

A buyer pays by cheque late on a working day or just before a public holiday, knowing it will take days to clear. By the time it bounces, the item is long gone.

How to avoid it: for anything valuable, ask for cash or a bank transfer that has arrived. If you accept a cheque, wait until it has cleared.

Common scams when buying

Deposit before viewing

You find a great deal, often on a car, a phone or a rental, but the seller wants a deposit before you can see it, "because so many people are interested." Once you pay, they disappear.

How to avoid it: never pay anything before you have seen the item and, for rentals, the property and the official paperwork. Real sellers let you view first.

Stolen phones and electronics

A phone or laptop sold far below market price, with no box, no receipt and a vague story. It may be stolen, locked to someone else's account, or blocked by the network.

How to avoid it:

• Ask for the original receipt and box.
• Check the IMEI on the phone (dial *#06#) matches the box.
• Make sure the device is signed out of the previous owner's account and fully reset before you pay.
• Test the camera, battery, charging port and buttons.

Used cars with hidden problems

Mileage that does not match the car's condition or service records, an unclear accident history, or outstanding fines and finance still attached to the vehicle.

How to avoid it:

• Ask for service records and check them against the odometer.
• Have the car inspected by an independent garage before you pay.
• Check for outstanding fines and confirm the car is not under finance.
• Complete the ownership transfer through the official traffic authority, never with cash and a handshake.

Prices that are too good to be true

A brand-new flagship phone for half price, a designer sofa for AED 200, a villa for the price of a studio. If the price is far below everything else, there is usually a catch.

How to avoid it: compare with similar listings in your area. A seller who pushes you to decide right now is a warning sign.

Red flags at a glance

Red flag	What it usually means
Asks for an OTP, PIN or card details	Trying to access your account
Sends a payment screenshot, not money	Fake transfer
Wants a deposit before viewing	Item may not exist
Pays more than agreed, asks for a refund	Overpayment scam
Sends a payment or courier link	Phishing page
Price far below market	Stolen, fake or non-existent
Rushes you or refuses to meet	Avoiding scrutiny
Will not share receipt, box or records	Item may be stolen

How to buy and sell safely

Deal with verified people nearby

Most scams rely on anonymity and distance. The scammer is never someone you could bump into in the lobby. That is why buying and selling with neighbors is safer.

In the neighborhood marketplace on Hoodly, every resident verifies their location once, with one tap at home. You are dealing with verified neighbors who live nearby, not anonymous accounts from somewhere else. You can chat directly before meeting, and collection is usually a short walk away.

Meet in person, in a safe place

• Meet in a building lobby, a busy café or another public place with people around.
• If someone is coming to your home, have a friend or neighbor with you.
• Inspect the item properly before paying.

Get the money first

As a seller, release the item only once cash is in your hand or a transfer has landed in your account. As a buyer, pay only once you have seen and tested what you are buying.

What to do if you have been scammed

1. Contact your bank immediately if you shared card details or an OTP, or sent money. Ask them to block your card and try to stop the transfer.
2. Report it to the police. In Dubai, you can contact Dubai Police on the non-emergency number 901, through the Dubai Police app, or through its eCrime reporting platform. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Police Aman service takes confidential reports on 8002626. In other emirates, contact your local police.
3. Keep the evidence: chat messages, the listing, payment screenshots, phone numbers and any names used.
4. Warn your neighbors. A short post in your neighborhood feed helps others spot the same trick.

Contact numbers and reporting channels can change, so confirm the latest details on official police channels.

FAQ

Is it safe to accept a bank transfer when selling second-hand?

Yes, once the money actually shows in your own banking app. Never rely on a screenshot or receipt sent by the buyer.

How can I check if a used phone is stolen in the UAE?

Ask for the original receipt and box, check that the IMEI (dial *#06#) matches the box, and make sure the phone is signed out of the previous owner's account. Be cautious of any phone priced far below market.

Where do I report an online scam in the UAE?

In Dubai, contact Dubai Police on 901, the Dubai Police app or its eCrime platform. In Abu Dhabi, use the Aman service on 8002626. In other emirates, contact your local police. Confirm current numbers on official channels.

Should I ever pay a deposit before seeing an item?

No. Genuine sellers let you see the item first. A seller who insists on a deposit before a viewing is a classic warning sign.

Buy and sell with people you can actually meet

Scams thrive when buyers and sellers are strangers. Trading with verified neighbors, meeting in person and getting paid first avoids most of them.

Download Hoodly and buy, sell or give away second-hand items with verified neighbors in your community.