The 5 Most Common Scams on Nextdoor to Avoid in 2026

Navigating Nextdoor Safely: Avoiding Common Scams for High-Value Items

Nextdoor can be a great platform for connecting with your local community and finding unique items. However, like any online marketplace, it's susceptible to various scams. When dealing with high-value items such as a new Lego Millennium Falcon (set #75192, valued between $850-$1,092 locally), it's crucial to be aware of the prevalent fraudulent schemes to protect yourself from financial loss.

Key Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ **Moving Sale QR Phish:** Be cautious of QR codes found in packages or on sale listings. Scanning these can lead to malware downloads or fake banking sites designed to steal your personal information.
• ✓ **Overpayment Refund Trap:** Scammers may send a payment exceeding the agreed-upon price and then request the difference back. The initial payment is often fraudulent, leaving you responsible for the funds you've returned.
• ✓ **Fake For-Sale Ads & "Too Good to Be True" Deals:** Be wary of listings for high-value items like the Lego Millennium Falcon offered at significantly lower prices than market value. Scammers may pressure you to move the conversation off-platform or pay via gift cards or wire transfers.
• ✓ **Contractor Deposit Ghosting:** While not directly related to selling an item, this scam can impact those looking to sell a home or needing services. A contractor may take a deposit for work and then disappear, leaving the project unfinished.
• ✓ **Handyman Licensing Fraud:** Similar to contractor scams, individuals may pose as licensed handymen offering services without proper credentials. This can lead to shoddy work or even dangerous situations.

The Lego Millennium Falcon (set #75192) is a highly sought-after collectible, with an estimated retirement in early to mid-2026 and projected post-retirement value growth. This makes it a prime target for scammers looking to exploit the demand for such items.

How to Protect Yourself

• ✓ **Verify Sellers/Buyers:** Check user profiles, ratings, and any community feedback available on Nextdoor. Be skeptical of new accounts with limited history.
• ✓ **Stay on Platform:** Communicate and conduct transactions within Nextdoor's messaging system whenever possible. Avoid being pressured to move to email, text, or other external platforms.
• ✓ **Secure Payment Methods:** Use trusted payment platforms that offer buyer protection. Avoid cash, gift cards, or wire transfers for high-value items. Consider using Safe Trade Services for P2P transactions. For an item like the Lego Millennium Falcon, the **Premium Plan** would be recommended to ensure secure verification and transaction handling.
• ✓ **Inspect Items In-Person:** Whenever feasible, arrange to inspect the item and complete the transaction in person in a safe, public location.
• ✓ **Research Pricing:** Understand the current market value of the item you are buying or selling to easily spot suspiciously low or high offers.
• ✓ **Be Wary of Urgency:** Scammers often try to rush transactions to prevent you from thoroughly investigating. Take your time and don't be pressured.

By staying informed about these common scams and employing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce your risk when engaging in transactions on Nextdoor. Remember, your security is paramount.