How to Spot Fake Ads and Scams When Buying Online in the UK
Online marketplaces are great for finding deals — but they also attract scammers. At FromOwner.co.uk, we want to help every buyer trade safely and confidently. Here are simple ways to spot fake ads and avoid common scams across the UK.
1. Check the price
If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Compare the ad with similar listings on FromOwner and other platforms. Extremely low prices are often red flags.
2. Verify the seller
On FromOwner, every ad comes directly from an individual owner — no dealers, no commissions. Check the user profile and see if they have other listings. Avoid sellers who refuse to verify their identity or contact details.
3. Always meet in person
Arrange to meet in a safe, public location. Never send deposits or full payments before seeing the item. FromOwner recommends face-to-face exchange whenever possible.
4. Look for genuine photos
Scammers often use stock or stolen images. Reverse-search the photos on Google Images to see if they appear elsewhere. Authentic ads should show the real item, not promotional pictures.
5. Report suspicious activity
If you encounter an ad that seems fake or unsafe, use the “Report Ad” feature on FromOwner. Our team manually reviews every report to keep the community secure.
Trading safely starts with awareness. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and enjoy buying directly from real owners across the UK!
1. Check the price
If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Compare the ad with similar listings on FromOwner and other platforms. Extremely low prices are often red flags.
2. Verify the seller
On FromOwner, every ad comes directly from an individual owner — no dealers, no commissions. Check the user profile and see if they have other listings. Avoid sellers who refuse to verify their identity or contact details.
3. Always meet in person
Arrange to meet in a safe, public location. Never send deposits or full payments before seeing the item. FromOwner recommends face-to-face exchange whenever possible.
4. Look for genuine photos
Scammers often use stock or stolen images. Reverse-search the photos on Google Images to see if they appear elsewhere. Authentic ads should show the real item, not promotional pictures.
5. Report suspicious activity
If you encounter an ad that seems fake or unsafe, use the “Report Ad” feature on FromOwner. Our team manually reviews every report to keep the community secure.
Trading safely starts with awareness. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and enjoy buying directly from real owners across the UK!