As a seasoned Leboncoin user who's been scammed myself, I've uncovered the 23 most common scams on France's top classifieds site. Here's how to spot and avoid them.
Who doesn't know Leboncoin, France's #1 platform for online classified ads? It's the go-to spot for incredible bargains on everything imaginable.
But scams lurk everywhere, often in ways you wouldn't expect.
I learned this the hard way through personal losses using tactics I never saw coming.
After thorough research, I've mastered spotting these traps. Discover the 23 most common Leboncoin scams and my expert tips to stay safe.
A bargain at an unrealistically low price often signals a scam. When the price is outrageously below market value, it's a red flag.
Resist the temptation—you could end up with faulty, counterfeit, or nonexistent goods. This applies to items and real estate alike, as shown above.
Research the item's true value first and skip deals that seem too attractive to pass up.
Ads riddled with spelling errors aren't always scams—not everyone is a perfect writer.
But professional scammers who write flawlessly are rare. Sloppy ads with poor grammar or unusual phrasing, especially from abroad, warrant caution.
Phrases like 'you see what I want to say' in emails? Big warning. Always verify by phone.
Scammers push 'new' items in unopened boxes, insisting on payment before you inspect—claiming it devalues the item.
Don't buy it. The package often contains something else entirely, like defective goods, stones, or bricks to fake a shipment.
This is a classic for remote deliveries.
Buyers saying 'firm price' or 'final price'? That's scam lingo, common abroad. Legit buyers negotiate or ask if it's firm.
Respond, and they'll pivot to Africa or PayPal tales.
Insisting on email or SMS only? Abort immediately. Opt for phone calls or in-person meets.
Avoid shipping via post, Chronopost, etc., to strangers.
Scammers promise payment upfront (even more than asking) for urgent shipment. Fake PayPal emails may follow.
Never ship on promises—that's for charity, not Leboncoin.
Scammers spin emotional tales: stuck at work, dying relative. It's manipulation to lower your guard.
Any doubt? Walk away.
Africa mentions = high scam risk. 'Buying for uncle in Africa'? Flee.
Nigerian or Ivorian 'grazers' use cybercafés, fake transfers/checks/PayPal. Beware the classic Nigerian letter scam too—fake rentals/sales via French accomplices.
For rentals: Fake bookers overpay 'by mistake,' then demand refunds before canceling their transfer. You lose both the rental payment and the refund.
Western Union, Ria, etc. = scam. Untraceable cash leaves you no recourse. Ban it outright.
Counterfeit iPhones/Galaxies flood Leboncoin. I got burned—perfect fakes with downgraded specs (e.g., 1GB vs. 16GB RAM).
Avoid buying phones here. Use trusted sites like Rakuten. Demand ID, receipts; check for Chinese markings.
Checks deposit then bounce after funds 'appear.' Fake accounts, no recourse, plus bank fees.
Fake 'payment received' emails from non-@paypal.com addresses. Log in directly to verify.
Multiple cancellations? They're wearing you down for a deposit. Move on.
Doubt authenticity? Get a pro inspection, especially for high-value items like cars.
Sharing RIB risks unauthorized direct debits. Use PayPal or Lyf Pay instead.
Dream rental? No visit, no pay—especially not Western Union for deposit/rent. Never pay unseen.
Fake SMS claiming 'item sold/paid—ship now.' No payment received.
Phishing emails/SMS link to clones. Verify URL: leboncoin.fr. Never click—go direct.
Crooks mimic Leboncoin's payment page to steal cards. Access via official site only.
Avoid address hints in photos/nicknames/phone/email. Stay anonymous.
Phone photos embed GPS data. Test at pic2map.com. Disable geotagging.
Always count cash in front of buyer—I lost money once by skipping this.
Quick reminder: 3 golden rules for Leboncoin safety:
- Deal in person, cash only.
- Trust no one unseen.
- Never click email/SMS links.
