The Most Common P2P Frauds on Nextdoor to Avoid in 2026

Common Scams Affecting High-End Gaming PC Builds on Nextdoor

When buying or selling a high-end gaming PC build on Nextdoor, it's crucial to be aware of the prevalent scams designed to defraud unsuspecting users. These scams often exploit the high value and technical nature of gaming PCs. Understanding these tactics will help you protect yourself and ensure a secure transaction.

Deals Too Good to Be True

Scammers frequently list high-end gaming PCs at prices significantly below market value, often described as "refurbished" or "parted out" to seem plausible. This is a common tactic to lure buyers with an irresistible offer. The reality is that components like RTX 4090s or Ryzen 9 CPUs cannot be sourced and assembled into a functional gaming PC for a few hundred dollars. Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true.

Fake Seller Reviews and Social Proof

To make fraudulent listings appear legitimate, scammers may use fake accounts to post positive comments or reviews, claiming they've received the product and are satisfied. These "fake customers" often praise the non-existent item and encourage others to buy. Always scrutinize the profiles of those leaving reviews; if they seem newly created or only interact with the scammer's posts, it's a red flag.

Payment and Shipping Scams

• ✓ **Overpayment Refund Trap:** A scammer might send an e-check for more than the agreed price, then ask the seller to refund the difference. The original e-check is fraudulent and will eventually bounce, leaving the seller out both the item and the "refunded" money.
• ✓ **Unusual Payment Methods:** Be suspicious of sellers who insist on payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or other non-traceable methods. Legitimate transactions typically use secure payment platforms or in-person cash exchanges.
• ✓ **Third-Party Shipping and 'Representative' Pickups:** Scammers may claim to have a "representative" or "courier" pick up the item, especially if they claim to be out of town. This is often linked to the overpayment scam, where the item is given to the fake courier before the payment is verified.

Misleading Descriptions and Imagery

Scammers may use stolen images from other listings or professional product photos to represent a non-existent or vastly inferior product. They might also use deceptive wording to make a low-value item appear to be a high-end gaming PC. Always verify the authenticity of images and descriptions.

Recommendations for Secure Transactions

To mitigate the risk of these common frauds when dealing with high-value items like gaming PCs, consider utilizing Safe Trade Services. For transactions involving items valued above $500, our Premium Plan offers enhanced verification to ensure the legitimacy of both buyer and seller. For lower-value trades, the Basic Plan still provides crucial identity verification steps.