Most people on KSL are here to sell a couch, find a used truck, or rent a home. Unfortunately, scammers use online marketplaces too.
This guide can help you spot common warning signs, protect your information, and decide what to do if something doesn't feel right. You don't have to rush. It's okay to pause, ask questions, and walk away from a deal.
Think you've already been scammed? Jump to What to do if you suspect fraud.
Good to know: KSL does not process payments or provide purchase protection for ordinary Classifieds transactions. Some KSL Cars listings may offer checkout through Caramel. If you use Caramel, complete the transaction through the official Caramel checkout process and contact Caramel with transaction questions.
Stop and verify before you continue
These are strong warning signs. If someone is asking for money or account access, pause before you respond. Once money or account access is shared, getting it back can be difficult.
- Someone asks for a verification code. Legitimate buyers do not need a code sent to your phone. Sharing it can give someone access to your accounts.
- A seller wants payment before you can verify the item or property. Take a moment to verify the seller, item or property, and terms before sending money.
- A buyer sends a payment screenshot, email, or link instead of money you can see in your account. When in doubt, check the payment app yourself and confirm the funds are in your available balance.
- Someone asks for gift cards, a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or money through a crypto ATM. Legitimate transactions do not require you to share account access or pay through these methods.
Warning signs when selling
If you're selling, these are the messages and requests to watch for.
- Verification codes or login links. A buyer asks for a code sent to your phone or sends a link that appears to be a KSL.com login.
- Payment screenshots or emails. A buyer sends a payment notice instead of money you can see in your account.
- Unexpected QR codes. A buyer asks you to scan a QR code to receive payment. Be cautious with unexpected QR codes and avoid entering payment, banking, or login information through a link sent by a buyer.
- Unusual payment methods. A buyer wants to pay through an unfamiliar app, gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a crypto ATM.
- Urgency or a request to move off KSL. A buyer pressures you to ship immediately or wants to move the conversation away from KSL Messages.
- Claims KSL is handling the payment. Someone says KSL itself is holding money, guaranteeing the transaction, or requiring an extra payment to release funds.
- Unfamiliar vehicle-history or authentication websites. A buyer asks you to use an unfamiliar website or sends a link to one.
Be cautious when someone combines several warning signs, such as an out-of-area story, urgency, third-party pickup or delivery, unusual payment instructions, or a request to move off KSL Messages. Check the payment app yourself and confirm the available balance before handing over the item or shipping it. Don't send money back because of an alleged overpayment or "business account upgrade."
Warning signs when buying
A great deal can be exciting, especially when you've been searching for a while. Before you send money, slow down and verify the seller, the item, and the payment details.
- A price that seems too good to be true. The listing price is far below what similar items usually sell for.
- Friends and Family or business-account requests. The seller asks for PayPal Friends and Family or asks you to set up a Venmo or Zelle "business account." Friends and Family payments generally do not include purchase protection for a sale and may be difficult to recover or dispute.
- The seller won't show the item or property. Take a moment to verify the item or property before sending money.
- Photos that seem unusual. Listing images appear reused, AI-generated, overly polished, or inconsistent with the item or local area.
- A new account. The member recently joined KSL Classifieds. A new account isn't proof of fraud, but it's a reason to verify the details carefully. You can check the Member Since information on the listing page.
- Unusual payment, delivery, or communication requests. The seller insists on unusual payment methods, third-party delivery, or communication outside KSL Messages.
Meet in a public place when possible. Inspect the item before paying, and check any shipping or tracking information directly through the carrier's website.
Payment scams
Overpayment scams are common, and they can look convincing. Here are two versions we see often.
Fake checks and money orders
A buyer may offer a money order or cashier's check for more than the asking price, then ask you to send money back through a service like Western Union. By the time the bank finds out the check or money order is not real, the money may already be gone and the item may have been shipped. The bank will typically pass the loss back to the person who deposited the counterfeit payment.
Fake Venmo or PayPal payments
A buyer may send a fake Venmo or PayPal email and say the payment is on hold or that you need a business account. Open the payment app yourself. If the money isn't in your available balance, don't ship the item or send money back.
Report suspicious messages:
Rental scams
Rental scams often involve listings with stolen photos, below-market prices, and a landlord who says they are out of town or can't show the property.
Vehicles
Buying a vehicle takes a few extra checks, but they can save you a lot of trouble.
Buying a vehicle
Before you buy, take a few minutes to compare the VIN on the vehicle with the VIN on the title. Ask the DMV about liens or other title concerns. When possible, ask the seller to go with you to the DMV with the title before you complete the sale.
Utah DMV
Call 800-DMV-Utah or visit the Utah Motor Vehicle Division website.
Idaho DMV
Call 208-584-4343 or visit the Idaho Transportation Department's Online Services.
Some KSL Cars listings may offer digital checkout through Caramel. Caramel, rather than KSL, handles the checkout process. For questions about an active Caramel transaction, use the transaction dashboard or contact Caramel support. Never send payment outside the checkout process because someone says it is required by KSL or Caramel.
Vehicle history report scams
A buyer may ask you to verify your vehicle history through an unfamiliar report provider or website. Scammers can create convincing fake sites, and the domains may change often.
Safe practices for buyers and sellers
A few simple habits can make every transaction safer.
Payment
- Take a moment to verify the item's condition and payment before completing the deal.
- When using payment platforms like Apple Pay, Venmo, or similar services, meet in public and have the item in hand before sending money.
- If you're accepting cash, count it before handing over the item, especially for large transactions.
Identity and accounts
- Keep personal information private unless it is needed for the transaction.
- Use a unique password for your KSL account that you don't use on any other website.
- Take extra time to verify details when you are dealing with people outside your local community.
- Be cautious if someone avoids reasonable questions, refuses ways to verify the transaction, or insists on moving the conversation away from KSL Messages.
Paperwork and verification
- Ask for paperwork, such as registration, warranty information, a title, or other documents, to help verify a seller's claims.
- Verify the IMEI number before purchasing a phone to check whether it has been reported as lost or stolen.
- Check to see whether the product you are buying or selling has been recalled.
- For expensive items, consider having an expert take a look before you list or buy.
- For large transactions, consider creating a simple contract or bill of sale and having it notarized.
- Keep a copy or screenshot of the listing for your records.
Meeting in person
- Meet buyers or sellers in an open, public location. Many police stations offer safe transaction zones, and many large stores have cameras in their parking lots.
- Bring a friend or family member with you, especially for high-value transactions.
Setting expectations
- Make sure the terms of the sale are clear.
- Agree on the terms before you meet so you don't have to negotiate in person.
- Be honest about your expectations.
What to do if you suspect fraud
If you've already sent money or shared information, don't panic. Start with these steps.
- Stop communicating and don't send more money.
- Save the listing, messages, payment details, and contact information.
- Report the listing by selecting the flag icon on the listing and filling out the form. Our Moderation Team will review it.
- Contact your bank or payment provider if money or financial information was involved, and ask whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed.
- Change any password or account information you shared, especially if you use the same password elsewhere.
- Report lost money or identity information to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and local law enforcement.
- Be cautious of anyone who promises to recover your money for an upfront fee. That may be another scam.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about staying safe on KSL, contact our Support Team at support@ksl.com or 801-515-2309. We're happy to help.
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