Today, millions of people buy and sell used cars, mobile phones, laptops, furniture, and household items on websites like OLX, Facebook Marketplace, and Quikr.
But the biggest danger lies in the OLX scam.
In OLX scams, fraudsters pose as buyers or sellers and defraud people of their money. Thousands of people fall victim to this type of fraud every day, especially in UPI payment and fake delivery boy scams.
Let’s understand in detail…
What is OLX Scam?
OLX scams are a type of online marketplace fraud in which scammers, posing as fake buyers or sellers on OLX, try to:
- Defraud you of money
- Send fake payment screenshots
- Send fake UPI links
- Trick you into deducting money through UPI
These scams are especially prevalent on fast-moving items such as:
- Mobile phones
- Bikes/cars
- Laptops
- Camerasfurniture
How Does OLX Scam Happen?
Below are the most dangerous and trending methods of OLX Scam:
1. Fake Buyer Scam (Most Common Scam)
A scammer messages you on OLX:
- “I need it immediately, I’ll make the payment right away.”
- “I’m from the Army/BSF/CRPF, I don’t have time.”
- “I’m sending the payment using Google Pay/PhonePe, please open the link.”
As soon as you open the link, the money is withdrawn from your account.
2. QR Code Scam (High-Risk Fraud)
The scammer sends a QR code and says:
- “Scan it, you’ll get the money.”
But in reality, scanning a QR code “deducts” the money, not “receives” it.
3. Fake Payment Screenshot
The scammer sends a fake screenshot and says:
- “Payment done… check your account.”
But the actual payment hasn’t arrived.
4. Fake Seller Scam
Some people post expensive items on OLX at very low prices:
- iPhone 14 Pro for only ₹18,000
- Yamaha R15 for only ₹30,000
- DSLR Camera for half the price
Then they say:
- “Pay an advance first, I’ll arrange for transportation.”
- “I’ll send it via Army parcel service.”
After taking the advance, the seller disappears.
5. Parcel Delivery Scam (Army + Transport Fraud)
The scammer, claiming to be an Army officer, says:
- “I’m on posting, I can’t meet you.”
- “I’ll send it via Army courier.”
- “Pay the courier charge, insurance charge, and OTP verification fee.”
You keep sending money → it disappears.
6. Fake OTP Verification
The scammer says:
- “You will receive an OTP, please provide it for security verification.”
Your OLX, WhatsApp, and bank accounts could be hacked as soon as you provide the OTP.
Avoid These OLX Profiles
- Claiming to be an Army/Air Force/CRPF/Navy officer
- Expensive items at 50%–70% off
- “Send the money first”
- Sending a QR code
- Asking to open a link
- Dealing within 5 minutes
- Asking to pay for the delivery boy or courier
If you see any of these things → It is 100% Scam.
How to Avoid OLX Scam?
1. Never scan a QR code.
Scanning a QR code takes your money away, not brings it in.
2. Only make “Cash on Delivery” or “Face-to-Face deals.”
Always pay after seeing the product.
3. Army/Police stories are 99% fake.
Don’t trust a photo of a uniform.
4. Don’t open any links.
Opening UPI or payment links is the biggest cause of fraud.
5. Ignore very low-priced products.
Very cheap deals = fake deals.
6. Don’t talk outside of OLX chat.
Scammers often move to WhatsApp.
7. Never make advance payments.
Avoid sellers or buyers who ask for an advance payment.
What to do if You Get Scammed by OLX?
- Immediately call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
- File a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal https://cybercrime.gov.in.
- Inform the bank and have your account blocked.
- Keep all screenshots, chats, and payment proof safe.
Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Avoid OLX Scams
- Deal face to face.
- Don’t make advance payments.
- Don’t trust any QR codes/links.
- Beware of Army/Courier scams.
- Avoid any deals that seem suspicious immediately.
By being vigilant, you can 100% avoid OLX scams.
FAQs of OLX Scam
Q1. What is the most common method of OLX scam?
The most common scam is to get your payment deducted by sending a QR code.
Q2. Is the OLX Army Officer scam real?
No, in 99% of cases it is completely fake.
Q3. What is the OLX Buyer Payment Link scam?
Scammers send a Payment Receive link, and as soon as you click it, the money is deducted from your account.
Q4. Is it possible to buy and sell safely on OLX?
Yes, it is safe if you use COD (Cash on Delivery) and deal face-to-face.