Is Mercari a Scam for Buying a Garmin Fenix 8? Avoid These 5 Red Flags

The 'Stolen Stock Photo Listing' Scam: Be wary of listings with generic or overly polished images that don't appear to be of the actual product. Scammers often use images stolen from other listings or the internet to create fake listings for items they do not possess. Always ask for unique, in-hand photos of the Garmin Fenix 8, including serial numbers and any distinct markings, to verify the seller actually has the item.

Fake Tracking 'Delivered' Bait: Scammers may provide a tracking number that shows the item as delivered, but it was sent to a different address in your vicinity, or it's for an empty package. This can trick the system into releasing funds to the seller before you realize the actual item is missing. Always verify the tracking information and report any discrepancies immediately if you don't receive your Garmin Fenix 8.

Off-Platform Payment Inquiry: Be extremely cautious if a seller asks you to complete the transaction outside of Mercari, perhaps via Zelle, Venmo, or other payment apps. This is a common tactic to bypass Mercari's buyer protection policies. All payments for items purchased on Mercari should be made through the platform itself.

The 'Invalid Shipping' Delay: Some scammers might claim there's an issue with shipping and try to delay the process, hoping you'll become impatient or forget to monitor the transaction. Always keep track of shipping updates and be aware of Mercari's dispute resolution timelines.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Scammers may send fake emails or messages impersonating Mercari, asking you to 'verify' your account details or click on suspicious links. Mercari will never ask for your password or sensitive information via email or direct message. Always access your account directly through the official Mercari app or website.