7 Warning Signs of a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Scam on MercadoLibre

Fake Payment Confirmation Email: Scammers may send convincing-looking emails impersonating MercadoLibre or Mercado Pago, claiming your payment is pending or has been received. Always verify payment status directly within your official MercadoLibre account, not through external emails.

Mercado Pago Link Deception: Be extremely cautious if a seller asks you to complete the transaction via a Mercado Pago link outside of the MercadoLibre platform. These links are often used to bypass MercadoLibre's buyer protection, leaving you vulnerable if the product is not as described or never arrives [4, 7].

QR Code Payment Switch: Similar to link deception, be wary of sellers who insist on using QR codes for payment outside the official MercadoLibre checkout. This is a common tactic to divert funds to fraudulent accounts.

Empty Box or Different Item Return: Some scammers might accept the return but send back an empty box or a completely different, lower-value item. Documenting the unboxing process with clear video evidence can help dispute such claims.

Hacked Rating Hijacking: Scammers might compromise legitimate seller accounts to post fraudulent listings. Always check a seller's overall rating and recent reviews, looking for any sudden changes or suspicious new feedback.

Outside-of-Platform Link Request: If a seller directs you to external websites or asks for personal information outside of MercadoLibre's secure messaging system, it's a significant red flag. This is often a precursor to phishing or more elaborate scams.

Pickup by Third Party Fraud: Be suspicious of requests where a 'third-party' courier is arranged by the seller for pickup. This can be a ruse to claim the item was delivered when it was not, or to facilitate fraudulent returns.