The Most Common DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drone Frauds on Catch to Avoid in 2026

Common Frauds When Buying a DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drone on Catch

The Catch marketplace, while offering a wide variety of products, can unfortunately be a breeding ground for various scams. When purchasing a high-value item like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, it's crucial to be aware of the common fraudulent tactics used by malicious actors to protect yourself from financial loss and disappointment.

The Facebook 'Liquidation' Ad Scam

Scammers often create fake 'liquidation' or 'closing down sale' advertisements on social media platforms, leading unsuspecting buyers to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate marketplaces like Catch. These ads prey on the desire for a bargain, often featuring the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone at an impossibly low price. The goal is to rush you into purchasing before you can verify the seller or the legitimacy of the offer, leading to no product delivery or the receipt of a counterfeit item.

Marketplace Tech Bait-and-Switch

This scam involves advertising a desirable product, such as the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, at an attractive price to lure customers in. Once the customer expresses interest, the seller will claim the advertised item is out of stock or unsatisfactory, and then attempt to sell them a different, often inferior or significantly more expensive, product. This tactic aims to exploit the initial interest generated by the attractive offer.

Off-Platform Payment Lure

Sellers may attempt to move the transaction off the Catch platform, suggesting payment via bank transfer, PayPal (sent as 'friends and family' to avoid buyer protection), or other less secure methods. This is a significant red flag, as it bypasses Catch's built-in security and dispute resolution mechanisms, leaving buyers with little recourse if the item is not as described, faulty, or never arrives.

Fake Shipping Surcharge SMS

Be wary of unexpected SMS messages claiming there's an issue with the delivery of your DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, requiring an additional payment for customs, re-delivery, or shipping fees. These messages often contain a malicious link that, when clicked, can lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information or install malware on your device.

Stolen Reward Points (Flybuys) Theft

While not directly related to the drone purchase itself, scammers may target your loyalty program accounts (like Flybuys) to steal points or personal information. This could be used to fund fraudulent purchases or commit identity theft. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages claiming your points are expiring and prompting you to click a link to verify or redeem them.

Counterfeit Listings

In some cases, particularly with high-demand electronics like drones, sellers may list counterfeit or replica DJI Mavic 4 Pro drones. These products may appear genuine at first glance but will lack the quality, features, and reliability of the authentic item. Always scrutinize seller reviews and product details to identify potential fakes.

Account Verification SMS Phish

Scammers may send SMS messages impersonating Catch or a shipping provider, claiming your account needs verification or that there's an issue with your order. These messages often contain links to fake login pages designed to steal your Catch account credentials, which could then be used to make fraudulent purchases or access your personal information.

Protecting Your Purchase

• ✓ Only conduct transactions directly through the Catch platform, utilizing their secure payment gateway.
• ✓ Be highly suspicious of any seller requesting payment off-platform via bank transfer, PayPal (as friends/family), or other unverified methods.
• ✓ Thoroughly research the seller. Look for established profiles, positive reviews, and a history of legitimate transactions. Be wary of new sellers with little to no history, especially for high-value items.
• ✓ Scrutinize product descriptions and images. If a deal seems too good to be true for a DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, it likely is. High prices can be a red flag for liquidation scams or bait-and-switch tactics.
• ✓ Never click on suspicious links in SMS messages or emails related to your order. If you receive a notification about shipping or account verification, navigate directly to the official Catch website or app to check the status.
• ✓ For high-value transactions like a DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for an added layer of identity verification for both buyer and seller, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.