Singapore Online Shopping & Scam Prevention Checklist: 21 Items
Check sellers, marketplace payments and scam red flags before buying online in Singapore, with safe steps if something goes wrong.
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๐ Research the seller
Notes: Look for sustained genuine feedback instead of a few recent perfect reviews.
Look for sustained genuine feedback instead of a few recent perfect reviews.
Notes: Confirm condition, model and what is included before committing.
Confirm condition, model and what is included before committing.
Notes: Consult ScamShieldโs current e-commerce guidance.
Consult ScamShieldโs current e-commerce guidance.
๐ Protect contact and accounts
Notes: Avoid a login URL supplied by an unknown seller.
Avoid a login URL supplied by an unknown seller.
Notes: Add a second security layer where available.
Add a second security layer where available.
Notes: Off-platform messaging reduces the platformโs ability to support disputes.
Off-platform messaging reduces the platformโs ability to support disputes.
Notes: OTPs, banking logins and Singpass credentials are not payment confirmations.
OTPs, banking logins and Singpass credentials are not payment confirmations.
๐ณ Inspect payment requests
Notes: Avoid direct transfer requests when a safer on-platform option exists.
Avoid direct transfer requests when a safer on-platform option exists.
Notes: Check shipping, taxes and any service fees before payment.
Check shipping, taxes and any service fees before payment.
Notes: Do not scan unverified codes sent via chat for refunds or verification.
Do not scan unverified codes sent via chat for refunds or verification.
Notes: A seller should not require a sideloaded app to release a parcel.
A seller should not require a sideloaded app to release a parcel.
Notes: A screenshot of a transfer is not reliable proof that funds arrived.
A screenshot of a transfer is not reliable proof that funds arrived.
๐ฎ Before delivery or pickup
Notes: Keep documentation for disputes without exposing unnecessary private data.
Keep documentation for disputes without exposing unnecessary private data.
Notes: Avoid unfamiliar links requesting extra courier charges.
Avoid unfamiliar links requesting extra courier charges.
Notes: Check model, condition and accessories before acknowledging receipt.
Check model, condition and accessories before acknowledging receipt.
๐ฉ If a transaction feels suspicious
Notes: Do not pay a second fee to recover an earlier payment.
Do not pay a second fee to recover an earlier payment.
Notes: Report the seller with order references and evidence.
Report the seller with order references and evidence.
Notes: Ask about available protective action for affected accounts.
Ask about available protective action for affected accounts.
Notes: Use official scam reporting and assistance information.
Use official scam reporting and assistance information.
๐งพ After purchase
Notes: Compare delivered items with description and order terms.
Compare delivered items with description and order terms.
Notes: Act within the platformโs stated protection windows.
Act within the platformโs stated protection windows.
Complete Guide
Why marketplace scams deserve special attention
ScamShield reported substantial e-commerce scam activity in Singapore in 2026. Risk is not confined to one website or product category, and familiar-looking profiles can still be fraudulent.
Verify the listing and seller
Look beyond star ratings. Inspect product details, seller history, realistic pricing, return rights and whether the marketplace itself recognises the transaction. Be especially cautious of social-media adverts that immediately direct you elsewhere.
Keep payments on protected channels
Direct bank transfers, unfamiliar QR codes, third-party installation links and unexpected customs-fee messages can defeat protections. Use the marketplaceโs actual checkout and confirm payment only through an account you opened yourself.
Safeguard credentials and personal information
Use two-factor authentication where possible and never provide one-time codes, banking details or Singpass access to a seller. Do not disclose identity documents merely because a stranger claims verification is required.
What to do when something goes wrong
Stop communication that demands more money, document the listing and transaction, contact the platform and your bank if funds are affected, and seek official scam assistance promptly. Delay may reduce the options available for financial protection.
Build long-term shopping habits
Monitor order tracking only through trusted channels, inspect received goods promptly and act within dispute deadlines. Adapt the list to the payment and delivery rules of the platform actually used.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a seller by direct transfer outside the marketplace?
Prefer secure platform payments and buyer protections. A seller who insists on moving payment off-platform is a significant warning sign.
Is a payment screenshot proof that money arrived?
No. Verify funds directly in your own bank or payment account before sending goods.
What should I do after a suspected scam?
Stop further payments and account sharing; contact your bank urgently if affected and report through official platform and ScamShield or police channels.
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