SerialCheck

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have become the go-to platforms for buying and selling second-hand goods in Australia. From bikes and laptops to power tools and musical instruments, millions of Australians use these platforms every week. The convenience is undeniable — but so are the risks.

Among the legitimate sellers are stolen goods, scams, and counterfeit items. Without the right precautions, you could end up losing your money, buying stolen property, or worse. This guide covers the practical steps you can take to protect yourself every time you buy second-hand online.

The stolen goods problem

A significant proportion of stolen property in Australia is resold through online marketplaces. Thieves know that platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree provide a large, anonymous audience with minimal verification. A stolen bicycle can be listed and sold within hours of being taken. A laptop swiped during a break-in can appear for sale the next morning in a different suburb.

The problem is compounded by the fact that most buyers never think to check whether an item is stolen. They see a good price, arrange a meetup, hand over cash, and go home — unaware that the item may be seized by police if it is later identified as stolen. Under Australian law, receiving stolen property is a criminal offence, even if the buyer had no knowledge that the item was stolen.

Always check the serial number

The single most effective thing you can do before buying any second-hand item with a serial number is to check it on SerialCheck . It takes less than thirty seconds, it's completely free, and it does not require an account.

Before you meet the seller, ask for the serial number. A legitimate seller will have no issue providing it. If they refuse, cannot find it, or claim the item does not have one, treat that as a warning sign. Enter the serial number on SerialCheck and check whether the item has been reported stolen. If it comes back clean, you can proceed with much greater confidence.

Red flags to watch for

Beyond checking serial numbers, be alert to these common warning signs that an item may be stolen or a listing may be a scam:

Price too good to be true: If a $2,000 item is listed for $300, ask yourself why. Stolen goods are often priced low to move quickly.
Vague or evasive seller: If the seller cannot answer basic questions about the item — when they bought it, where, why they're selling — be cautious.
No proof of purchase: Legitimate sellers usually have a receipt, order confirmation email, or at least know where they bought the item. A complete lack of documentation is a red flag.
Serial number removed or obscured: If the serial number has been scratched off, filed down, or covered, walk away immediately. There is no legitimate reason to remove a serial number.
Pressure to buy quickly: "Someone else is coming at 3pm" or "I need it gone today" are common pressure tactics used by sellers who don't want you looking too closely.
Brand new account with no history: On Facebook Marketplace, check the seller's profile. A recently created account with no friends, no photos, and no history is suspicious. On Gumtree, check how long the seller has been a member and whether they have positive feedback.
Multiple high-value items from one seller: If someone is listing five laptops and three bikes at the same time, that warrants serious suspicion.

Safe meeting practices

When you do arrange to meet a seller, take precautions to protect your safety and your money:

Meet in a public place: A busy car park, a shopping centre food court, or the foyer of a police station are good choices. Many Australian police stations now have designated "safe exchange zones" specifically for online marketplace transactions.
Bring someone with you: Don't go alone, especially for high-value transactions. At minimum, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Inspect the item thoroughly: Check the serial number matches what the seller provided. Test that the item works. Look for signs of damage, tampering, or missing accessories.
Don't go to the seller's home alone: If the seller insists on meeting at their home and you are not comfortable, suggest an alternative location. Your safety is more important than the deal.
Daytime only: Always arrange to meet during daylight hours. Avoid evening or night-time transactions.

Payment tips

How you pay matters. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

For high-value items, prefer bank transfer or PayPal so there is a record of the transaction. This provides evidence if something goes wrong.
Avoid sending money before seeing the item. Scammers often ask for payment upfront with the promise of shipping or delivery that never materialises.
If paying cash, count it in front of the seller and get a written receipt that includes the item description, serial number, price, date, and both parties' names.
Never use gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for second-hand purchases. These are the preferred payment methods of scammers because they are virtually impossible to reverse.

Tips specific to Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has the advantage of being tied to personal profiles, which provides some accountability. Before buying, check the seller's profile: how old is the account, do they have friends and photos, do they have marketplace ratings? A well-established profile is generally more trustworthy than a brand new one.

Use Facebook Messenger to communicate and keep all conversations on the platform. This creates a record that can be useful if a dispute arises. Beware of sellers who immediately ask you to communicate via text message, WhatsApp, or email — moving off-platform makes it harder to hold them accountable.

Tips specific to Gumtree

Gumtree has a reputation system, so check the seller's member duration and any reviews from previous buyers. Be wary of listings that use stock photos instead of actual photos of the item — this is common in scam listings. Legitimate sellers will photograph their actual item, including close-ups of any wear or imperfections.

Gumtree also has a "safe selling tips" section in their help centre. Familiarise yourself with it, and report any listings that look suspicious.

What to do if you suspect stolen goods

If you believe a listing is for stolen property — whether because the serial number comes up as stolen on SerialCheck, the price is suspiciously low, or the seller's behaviour raises red flags — take these steps:

Do not buy the item and do not confront the seller.
Screenshot the listing, including the item description, photos, price, and seller details.
Report the listing to the platform (both Facebook and Gumtree have reporting tools for suspicious listings).
If you have reason to believe the item is stolen, contact your local police with the listing details.

Buying second-hand is a great way to save money, but it pays to be careful. A thirty-second serial number check on SerialCheck could save you from buying stolen property, losing your money, and potentially facing criminal charges. Make it a habit — every time, no exceptions.

How to Buy Safely on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree in Australia