Classified Ad Scams in Georgia: Common Schemes and How to Report Them | Unlim.ge

If someone tries to scam you on a classifieds site in Georgia, report the user or listing on the platform, call your bank right away if money or card details are involved, and report the fraud to the police on 112. On Unlim.ge you can file a complaint about a seller, a buyer or a specific listing without leaving the platform. Most schemes follow the same patterns, and newcomers to the country are often targeted precisely because they do not know them yet.

Common scams targeting buyers

• "Deposit to hold it." The seller says many people are interested and asks for part of the price before you meet. Once paid, they disappear.
• A price too good to be true. Far below similar listings is a warning sign, not a lucky find.
• Item switching. You see one item at the meeting and get another, for example an empty phone box or a laptop with different specs.
• No viewing. "I'm in another city, I'll send it by courier once you pay."

Common scams targeting sellers

• Fake payment or delivery links. A "buyer" sends a link to "receive the money" and asks for your card number, expiry date and SMS code. You never need these to receive a payment.
• Overpayment. They claim to have sent too much and ask you to refund the difference. The original transfer never happened.
• Moving the chat elsewhere. They push you off the platform's chat straight away, where it is harder to report them and keep a record.
• Pressure. Every scheme works better when you have no time to think. Language barriers make it worse, so slow down if a conversation switches to a language you are less sure of.

How to check a seller or buyer

• Inspect the item in person, especially anything expensive.
• Check documents: for cars, the VIN in the Public Service Agency database; for property, an extract from the Public Registry; for electronics, a receipt or warranty card.
• Compare the price with similar listings.
• Put the agreed terms in writing, even a short message helps.
• Meet in a busy public place during the day and count cash on the spot.

Where to report a scam

1. The platform. Unlim.ge has a dedicated complaints section for sellers, buyers and listings. Reporting also protects other users.
2. Your bank. If you entered card details or sent money, call your bank immediately to block the card and ask whether the transaction can be disputed.
3. The police. Report fraud on 112 or to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

What to save before you report

• Screenshots of the listing and the user's profile.
• The full conversation, including messenger chats.
• Phone numbers and any links you were sent.
• Payment details: date, amount, recipient's card or account number.

For general safe-deal tips, see Where to Post a Classified Ad in Georgia.

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a listing on Unlim.ge?

Use the complaints section on the website or in the app. You can report a seller, a buyer or a specific listing.

Do I need to enter my card details to receive a payment?

No. Receiving money never requires your expiry date, CVV or SMS codes. If someone asks for them, it is a scam.

Can I get my money back after paying a scammer?

There is no guarantee, but your chances are better if you call your bank at once and file a police report with the chat history and payment details.

Is it safe to pay a deposit?

Avoid paying anything before you have seen the item, especially if the seller is rushing you and avoids meeting.