Photos can lie, and stories can be invented. You do not need paranoia — just a short checklist before you pay a stranger on the internet.
Listing & photo warnings
- Stock photos or blurry images on a claimed rare coin.
- Price far below every other source with no plausible explanation.
- Words like “unsearched hoard,” “estate fresh,” or “must sell today” on key dates.
- Refusal to provide clearer photos of the edge, mint mark, or surfaces.
Seller behavior
- Pressure to pay friends & family, wire, crypto, or gift cards.
- New account with expensive keys and no history.
- Shipping only to a freight forwarder or unrelated third party.
- No return policy on uncertified high-value pieces.
Safer habits
- Buy from established dealers with a physical presence or verified storefront when you can.
- Use platforms with buyer protection for peer-to-peer sales.
- For expensive raw coins, prefer third-party graded pieces or buy in person.
- If a deal feels like you are stealing it, assume you are the one being stolen from.
Dealers: we also publish fraud-prevention guides for shops on CoinShopInc.
Part of the NumisQ Learn series · NumisQ.com