Yahya Marketplace

Scam Prevention

The tricks used most often against buyers and sellers in Pakistan, and exactly how to shut each one down.

Almost every scam here has one thing in common: money leaves your hand before you have seen, tested or received anything. Break that pattern and the vast majority of these tricks simply stop working.

Four rules that protect you

  • Pay only after inspection, in person, and only for what you can see and test.
  • Keep the conversation in marketplace chat so there is a record of what was promised.
  • Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords or ID photos with anyone, whatever story they tell.
  • If you feel rushed, confused or flattered into paying, stop. That feeling is the scam working.

Common scams and how to stop them

The advance payment or "booking fee"

How it works: The seller asks for a small deposit to hold the item, then stops responding, blocks you, or produces a different item when you arrive.

How to stop it: Never pay anything before you have inspected the item in person. There is no legitimate reason to send a holding fee to a stranger.

The fake payment screenshot

How it works: A "buyer" sends a screenshot or a forwarded bank message showing a transfer that never actually happened, then pressures you to hand over the item.

How to stop it: Open your own banking app and confirm the balance. A screenshot, a printed slip or a message from a number proves nothing.

The OTP and card-detail request

How it works: Someone claiming to be a buyer, or claiming to "verify" your account, asks for your card number, PIN, OTP or a photo of your ID.

How to stop it: Nobody legitimate needs your OTP, PIN or card details. Never share them, and never install an app a stranger sends you.

The overpayment and refund trick

How it works: You are "accidentally" sent too much money and asked to return the difference — the original transfer is later reversed.

How to stop it: Return nothing until the original payment has fully cleared and you have spoken to your bank.

The courier or "delivery agent" story

How it works: You are told a courier will collect the item or bring the money, and a "fee" must be paid first to release it.

How to stop it: Meet the buyer yourself. Pay no release, clearance or courier fee to receive money owed to you.

The urgency trap

How it works: A dramatic story and extreme time pressure — a sick relative, an emergency, "three other buyers are coming today" — designed to stop you thinking.

How to stop it: Urgency is the tool, not the reason. Slow down; a genuine seller will still be there tomorrow.

Documents that do not add up

How it works: For vehicles and property, forged registration books, fake transfer letters, or documents in someone else's name.

How to stop it: Match documents to the item and to the seller's identity, and verify ownership with the relevant authority before paying.

The too-good price

How it works: A popular phone, laptop or car priced far below market to pull in fast buyers who pay before thinking.

How to stop it: Compare with similar listings. A price that makes no sense is the warning, not the opportunity.

If you have already been caught

  1. Stop paying immediately, including any "recovery" fee — that is a second scam aimed at the first.
  2. Keep everything: messages, screenshots, account numbers, phone numbers and transaction references.
  3. Call your bank or wallet provider right away and report the transaction.
  4. File a complaint with us so the account and listing can be reviewed and removed.
  5. Report financial fraud to the relevant authorities in Pakistan, including the cybercrime wing where it applies.

Related guides

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