Marktplaats payment scam: how to spot it before it's too late

Buying and selling on Marktplaats — a popular Dutch classifieds marketplace similar to Craigslist or eBay — usually goes smoothly. But the moment money comes up, scammers appear. The trick is almost always the same: a "payment link" or "verification" that takes you off the platform, where you enter your banking details or "just need to log in".

Don't let the urgency rush you, and you'll be safe. Here are the patterns to watch for.

What does a Marktplaats payment scam look like?

A common variant when you're selling (invented example):

Buyer: "Hi, I want to buy it! I'll use the Marktplaats shipping service. I've already paid — you should have an email. Just click the link to release the payment and receive your money."

You then get an email that looks like it's from Marktplaats, with a button to "receive your money". On that page you're asked to log in with your bank, or to pay a small amount "to activate the payment". Both are fake: you're handing over your credentials or paying out of pocket while you thought you were receiving money.

If you're the buyer: the listing looks too good to be true, the seller wants to move off the platform, and the "secure payment link" leads to a fake iDEAL page.

The signals that give it away

You're told to "log in" or "pay a fee" in order to receive money. That never happens with legitimate payments. Receiving money requires no login and no upfront payment.
The link goes outside Marktplaats, to a lookalike domain or a fake payment page.
The other person quickly wants to move off the platform — to WhatsApp or email.
Urgency and an offer that's too good. "I'll buy it right now, just sort the link."
A request for your bank details, a small "test payment", or a Tikkie payment link.

What to do

Stay on the platform. Use only the official payment and shipping features built into Marktplaats or Vinted.
Remember: to receive money, you never need to log in anywhere or pay anything.
Don't click standalone payment links sent via chat or email.
Not sure? Forward the message or a screenshot to check@islegit.email for a free verdict in under a minute.

What you should NOT do

Don't log in via a "release payment" link.
Don't pay a small amount "to activate the payment".
Don't continue off-platform with someone who pressures you to do so.

If you already logged in or paid

Call your bank immediately, block your account if necessary, and request a chargeback. Change your online banking password. Report the scammer to Marktplaats or Vinted, to your country's fraud service (in the Netherlands, the Fraudehelpdesk on 0800-2117), and file a police report.

Still not sure about an email? Forward it to check@islegit.email and get a clear verdict in under a minute.

Check an email

This is a safety aid, not a guarantee. We don't store your emails, and personal details are stripped before anything looks at them.

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Frequently asked

How does the Marktplaats payment scam actually work?

The scammer convinces you that you're receiving money, but the 'release payment' link leads to a fake banking page. Instead of receiving money, you hand over your credentials or make a payment yourself.

Do I need to log in anywhere to receive money from a buyer?

No. Receiving money never requires you to log in or make a payment. Anyone who says otherwise is trying to scam you.

Is the 'shipping service' link always fake?

The real shipping service is handled entirely within the Marktplaats platform. Any standalone link sent via chat or email that takes you outside the site is a warning sign.

Where do I report a Marktplaats scam?

Report it to Marktplaats directly, to your country's fraud service (in the Netherlands, the Fraudehelpdesk on 0800-2117), and to the police. You can also forward the message to us for a free check.