Advance payment
Before you pay an unknown seller in advance
A bank transfer can be difficult to reverse. Before paying, verify the seller, the item, the payment recipient and whether a safer transaction method is available.
Warning signs
When to stop and verify
- The seller refuses collection without a credible reason.
- The payment recipient's name differs from the seller or business.
- The offer is urgent and requires an immediate reservation deposit.
- There is no verifiable history or current proof that the seller has the item.
- Payment is directed to a foreign account with no clear connection to the transaction.
Safer next steps
What to do before paying
- 1Compare the seller's name, phone, account and any business details.
- 2Ask for current, specific proof that the item exists and is in the seller's possession.
- 3Prefer collection or a payment method with buyer protection.
- 4Keep the advert, messages and payment instructions before sending money.
Evidence for a check
What to submit to VerifyBeforeBuy
No negative search results do not prove that a new seller is safe. Reduce the irreversibility of the transaction and verify that all identifiers point to the same person or business.
- The complete advert
- Your conversation with the seller
- IBAN or account and recipient name
- Phone, email and any business details
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers
Can I find the owner of every bank account?
Usually not through public sources. You can still check format, country, published business accounts and conflicts with other evidence.
Does a small reservation deposit reduce the risk?
Not necessarily. Repeated small deposits can be the scam itself. Use a safer handover if the seller or item cannot be verified.