Check the actual item
Read the description, condition and price. Ask for current photos or a demonstration where appropriate. Reverse-image search may reveal reused listing photos, but a photo alone cannot establish ownership or availability.
Check who is selling
Open the seller’s profile and any identity checks they share. Look for consistent details and original reviews. An account with little public history is not automatically fraudulent, and an established account is not automatically safe.
Plan the handover
For local collection, agree a suitable public place when practical and inspect the item before deciding. For shipping, agree delivery and return terms in writing. Do not let urgency replace the checks you intended to make.
Understand payment protection
Read the provider’s eligibility rules and reporting deadlines. No method guarantees recovery in every case. Save the agreement and receipt; contact the provider promptly if you suspect fraud. Realr does not hold the purchase payment or provide escrow.
For US reporting and recovery steps, read the FTC guide to what to do after a scam. In India, use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.