Beware of Online Appliance Scams Asking for P2P Payment

One common scam involves scammers posing as legitimate appliance retailers and then asking customers to pay for their appliances using a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app like Zelle, Venmo or Cash App.

Here are some red flags to watch out for when buying appliances online:

• The appliance is significantly cheaper than the market price.
• The seller is unwilling to meet in person to deliver the appliance.
• The seller only accepts payment through a P2P app.
• The seller has a suspicious-looking website or social media profile.
• The seller asks for personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number.

If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to avoid the seller and look for appliances elsewhere. Here are some tips for buying appliances safely online:

• Only buy appliances from authorized retailers, such as major appliance stores or online retailers with a good reputation.
• Do your research on the seller before you buy appliances. Read reviews and look for social media profiles.
• Be sure to meet the seller in person to inspect the appliance before you pay for it. This will give you a chance to make sure the appliance is in good condition and that it’s the right size for your needs.
• Only pay for appliances with a credit card. This will give you more protection if you’re scammed.

If you do end up getting scammed, report it to the authorities and to the P2P payment app that you used. You may also be able to get a refund from your credit card company.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.