Staying Safe with Online Transactions
How to avoid scams, verify buyers, and keep your personal information secure when selling online.
Selling online is safe when you follow a few important guidelines. LegacyLoop builds in protections, but being aware of common risks keeps you even safer. Here is what you need to know.
Use LegacyLoop's Payment System: When a buyer purchases through LegacyLoop, payment is processed securely by Square and held in escrow until delivery is confirmed. This protects you from fake payments and protects the buyer from non-delivery. Never accept payment outside the platform for shipped items.
Watch for Common Scams:
- Overpayment scams: A buyer sends more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. This is always a scam. Decline and report the buyer.
- Fake payment confirmations: Someone sends a screenshot or email claiming they paid, but no payment appears in your LegacyLoop account. Always verify payment in your actual account dashboard before shipping.
- Shipping address changes: A buyer asks you to ship to a different address after payment. Contact LegacyLoop support before proceeding — this can be a sign of fraud.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: A buyer immediately offers full price on a newly listed item without any questions. While this can be legitimate, proceed carefully.
Protect Your Personal Information:
- Never share your home address with buyers unless they are picking up locally and you are comfortable.
- Use LegacyLoop's messaging system for all communications. Avoid giving out your personal phone number or email.
- LegacyLoop shows buyers your city, not your exact address, on listings.
Verify Before You Ship:
- Confirm payment has been received in your LegacyLoop account (not just an email notification).
- Ship only to the address provided through the LegacyLoop system.
- Always use tracked shipping so you have proof of delivery.
- Take photos of the packaged item before shipping, including the label and the item inside the box.
Reporting Suspicious Activity: If something does not feel right, use the "Report" button on any conversation or buyer profile. LegacyLoop's trust and safety team reviews all reports within 24 hours.
Tip: Trust your instincts. If a buyer is pressuring you to act quickly, skip normal procedures, or communicate outside LegacyLoop, those are red flags. It is always better to lose a sale than to lose your item and money to a scam.