Online seller asking for advance payment: warning signs and what to do
What to do
Prefer cash on delivery. A price far below market and pressure to pay in full in advance are the usual signs. Since 2021, card and gateway payments to e-commerce sites are meant to be held until the product is delivered; paying a seller's personal bKash or Nagad number skips that protection.
Warning signs
- Asks for payment in advance.
- Price far below market.
Received a message or offer like this? Check it before you pay.
Check it nowHelp and helplines
- National emergency 999
- Police Cyber Support for Women 01320-000888
- Visa check for Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Ami Probashi, paid) 16768
This guide is a warning about a pattern; it does not accuse any particular person or organisation.