Buying a used phone without getting scammed means verifying both the seller and the device before you send a single penny. Most scams in this category rely on urgency and advance payment. If you take your time, meet in person, inspect the phone, and pay only after checking it, the risk drops sharply. This guide summarizes specific warning signs and a safe procedure for the Czech Republic.
There are thousands of used phone listings on Czech marketplaces, and most sellers are honest. That's exactly why it pays to recognize a scam by behavior, not by price alone. A scammer usually pushes for time, refuses to meet in person, or moves communication off the platform. A decent seller, on the other hand, will happily send more photos, show the IMEI, and wait while you inspect the phone. Below you'll find scam patterns, warning signs in the listing and in the conversation, what a safe meeting and payment look like, and what to do if money has already been sent. We pay special attention to how communication within the platform, the seller's history, and reporting a listing can help.
What are the most common used phone scams?
The most common patterns repeat: advance payment, fake payment link, forged payment screenshot, and phishing in messenger. The attacker never wants an in-person meeting because that would collapse the whole scenario. Instead, they create pressure for a quick decision. The advance payment scam looks innocent. The seller claims there's huge interest in the phone and asks for a deposit to "hold" it for you. After you send the money, communication goes silent or another demand appears.
A fake payment link leads to a page that mimics a bank or payment gateway and tries to extract login credentials and confirmation codes. A forged payment screenshot involves the buyer sending an image of a "sent payment" and pushing to hand over the phone immediately. A screenshot is not proof that the money arrived. Phishing messages in messenger involve a link or attachment designed to extract login credentials from your phone.
Warning signs in the listing
The listing itself reveals a lot. A price far below the usual level for that model and condition is the first clue, not proof. Same goes for photos that look like they were taken from a catalog, without details of the frame, display, or accessories. Pay attention to the text. A generic description without a specific model, capacity, or battery condition is weak. Pressure phrases like "today only," "many interested buyers," or "last one" are meant to bypass your judgment. If the seller in the listing refuses an in-person handover or mentions only shipping, that's a reason for caution.
It's useful to check how long the account has been active and how many ratings it has. On platforms where the seller's history is visible, go through it before the first message. On EX & GO you can find the seller's profile and their ratings on the listing, which gives you an idea of who you're talking to.
How to spot a scammer in communication?
In conversation, a scammer gives themselves away by style, not words. They reply quickly but avoid specific questions. They won't send the IMEI, more photos, or a video. They push to move to WhatsApp or Telegram, where history is harder to trace. Refusing an in-person meeting with a vague reason is typical. "I'm out of town," "I ship via courier," "I handle payment through a link." A decent seller, on the other hand, offers a place and time, even a public place with cameras. If you ask about the phone's origin and get evasive answers, take it seriously.
Another sign is pressure to pay in advance. Requests for a deposit, payment via a link, or a transfer to an account that doesn't belong to the seller are among the most common tricks. If someone sends you a "payment verification" link and asks for your login credentials or a bank code, it's phishing.
Before you send money, verify two things: that you physically hold the phone in your hand and that the IMEI on the screen matches the IMEI on the box and in the system. A mismatch means the device has been swapped or is blocked.
Comparison: scam pattern, warning sign, and safe alternative
The table summarizes what repeats in practice. It's not a list of all possibilities, but an overview of the ones you'll encounter most often with used phones.
| Scam pattern | Warning sign | Safe alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | Seller asks for money to "hold" the phone | Pay only at an in-person handover after inspection |
| Fake payment link | Link mimics a bank, asks for details and codes | Pay only in your bank's app or in cash |
| Forged payment screenshot | Buyer pushes for handover, "money is on the way" | Verify the credit in online banking |
| Fake middleman | Someone else "handles" the handover for the owner | Deal directly with the owner and verify their identity |
| Phishing in messenger | Link or attachment off the platform | Communicate in the platform's chat, don't open links |
What a safe meeting and payment looks like
A safe meeting is public, during the day, and ideally in a busy place. Some cities offer so-called safe meeting spots, usually near offices or train stations. It's not a guarantee, but it reduces risk. Come with a charged phone and give yourself time to inspect. During the inspection, go over the display, frame, buttons, and connector. Turn on the phone, verify the IMEI, log into the account, and check that the device isn't blocked or signed into someone else's account. Try the camera, speaker, microphone, and charging. On iPhone, check the battery health and whether there's an active lock.
Payment belongs at the end, after inspection. Cash at an in-person meeting is simplest. If you want to pay by transfer, do it on the spot and verify the credit in your bank's app. Never pay a stranger in advance and never enter login credentials on a page the seller sent you. Confirm the handover in writing. Save the listing, conversation, and payment receipt. If a problem arises later, you'll have evidence. On platforms with seller history, you can leave a rating after the deal, which helps others.
What to do if a scam has already happened
Act quickly and in this order. Call your bank and ask for a chargeback or to stop the payment if it hasn't gone through yet. The bank has its own procedures for unauthorized payments, and the sooner you contact them, the better. Then file a report with the police. In the Czech Republic, you can also use the online report via the Police of the Czech Republic website. Attach screenshots of the conversation, the listing, the account number, and all communication. The more you document, the better the investigation's chances.
You can also report the scam to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority if it involved a business, and to the Ministry of Regional Development, which handles e-commerce and consumer protection. Details for complaints can be found at Czech Trade Inspection Authority and Ministry of Regional Development. On the platform where the scam occurred, report both the listing and the account. On EX & GO you can find the listing rules at /cs/rules, which describes what's prohibited and how to submit a report. Reporting helps moderation remove the account before it harms someone else.
Why it pays to communicate in the platform's chat
The chat within the platform isn't just convenience. It leaves a trace that can be traced and often links the conversation to a specific listing and account. If someone pushes you off the platform, take it as a warning sign. The seller's history and ratings show how they've performed in past deals. It's not a guarantee, but it's information you don't have with anonymous communication. On EX & GO you can see the seller's profile, their listings, and ratings. You can filter by city, district, and category, so it's easier to find offers in your area.
Listing moderation and phone number verification make a scammer's job harder, but they don't replace your own caution. The platform facilitates contact; you close the deal directly with the other party, and payments don't go through it. That's why the responsibility for checking remains with you. If you come across a suspicious listing, report it. It's useful to state a specific reason and attach a screenshot. Support and procedures can be found at /cs/support. Reporting takes a minute and can protect other buyers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a seller is a scammer?
Scammers usually push for speed and avoid meeting in person. They refuse to send the IMEI or extra photos, move the conversation off the platform, and ask for an advance payment. The price is often far below the usual level. None of these signs alone proves anything, but several together mean you should back off and keep looking.
Is it safe to send an advance payment?
No. Paying in advance is the most common way to lose money, because once it's sent you have no leverage. If the seller insists on a deposit, suggest meeting in person and paying on the spot. If they refuse, look for another listing. Even supposedly reputable sellers who want a deposit as a "reservation" are a risk.
How do I check that the phone isn't blocked or stolen?
At the meeting, compare the IMEI on the screen, on the box, and in the phone settings. All three numbers must match. On iPhone, check that there's no active account lock, and on Android check the Google account status. If the seller refuses to show the IMEI in advance, be cautious.
What should I do if the phone never arrives after I pay?
Contact your bank and ask about resolving an unauthorized payment or a chargeback. Then file a report with the police and attach screenshots of the conversation, the listing, and the account number. At the same time, report the listing and account on the platform where the deal happened. The sooner you start, the better your chances.
Should I meet in a public place?
Yes. A public place during the day, ideally somewhere busy, significantly reduces risk. Some cities have designated safe meeting spots near offices or train stations. Come with a charged phone, take your time to inspect the device, and only pay afterward. Never meet in a remote location or the seller's apartment.
How does the seller's history and ratings help?
History and ratings show how the seller behaved in past transactions. It's not a guarantee, but it's information you don't have with anonymous communication. On platforms with a visible profile, go through previous listings and responses. If the account has a short history and no ratings, verify the seller even more carefully.
See also: used phones, used phones in Prague.