The Most Common P2P Frauds on Target Marketplace to Avoid in 2026

Navigating Target Marketplace Safely: Common Scams for the PlayStation 6 Pro

The Target Marketplace is a dynamic platform for buying and selling a wide range of products, including high-demand electronics like the PlayStation 6 Pro. However, like any online marketplace, it can attract fraudulent activity. Understanding common scams is crucial for protecting yourself and ensuring a safe transaction.

Understanding P2P Scam Tactics

Peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions on Target Marketplace require vigilance. Scammers often exploit trust and create a sense of urgency to trick unsuspecting buyers and sellers. For a product as sought-after as the PlayStation 6 Pro, these scams can be particularly convincing.

• ✓ Fake 'Limited Edition' Pricing: Scammers may list a PlayStation 6 Pro at an unbelievably low price, claiming it's a 'limited edition' or a special deal. Once payment is made, they either send a counterfeit product or nothing at all. This is a form of 'bait-and-switch'.
• ✓ Resold Liquidation Item Scams: Be wary of listings that appear to be deeply discounted due to being 'liquidation stock'. While some legitimate deals exist, scammers can use this as a cover to sell faulty or non-existent products. They might advertise 'unclaimed mystery boxes' or heavily discounted electronics that are ultimately fake or broken.
• ✓ Unauthorized Third-Party Warranty Scams: Sellers may offer an 'extended warranty' for the PlayStation 6 Pro that is not authorized by the manufacturer. These warranties are often worthless, and the scammer pockets the extra payment. These scams can be highly sophisticated, sometimes using dealership information to appear legitimate.
• ✓ Customer Support Phone Phish: Scammers may impersonate Target customer support, claiming there's an issue with your purchase or account. They will ask for personal information or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to 'resolve' the issue, which they then use to gain access to your accounts or make fraudulent transactions.
• ✓ Target App Impersonation: Similar to customer support phish, scammers may create fake communications that appear to be from the Target app. These could be fake order confirmations or notifications, directing you to malicious links or fraudulent phone numbers to 'verify' or 'cancel' an order, thereby stealing your credentials.
• ✓ Registry Gift Card Scam: While less common for electronics, some scams involve requests for payment via gift cards, often under duress or a false premise. If a seller insists on payment through gift cards, especially for a high-value item like the PlayStation 6 Pro, it's a major red flag.

Protecting Your Purchase

To ensure a safe transaction when buying a PlayStation 6 Pro on Target Marketplace, always verify seller legitimacy through ratings and reviews. For high-value items, consider using a trusted third-party verification service.

Always communicate and transact within the Target Marketplace platform. Avoid external payment methods or communication channels that bypass the marketplace's security features. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.