How to recognise and avoid scams
Scams follow a few set patterns — a price that's too good, urgency, advance payment, payment via links and requests for banking credentials or one-time codes. Know the signs and you'll steer clear.
The warning signs
Be extra alert when someone:
- Offers a price that's too good to be true. If it's suspiciously low, there's usually a reason.
- Rushes you. "You have to decide now" is a classic trick.
- Asks for advance payment or a "deposit" before you've seen the item.
- Wants you to pay via a link they send you.
- Sends a "too much" payment and asks you to pay back the difference.
- Asks for online-banking credentials, card numbers, passwords or one-time codes. This is always a scam.
- Wants to move the conversation quickly away from Monti to SMS, email or other apps.
Common types of scam
- The fake item that never arrives: you pay in advance, the item never shows up. Meet in person and see the item first.
- The fake landlord: demands a deposit or the first month's rent before you've seen the home, and can never meet you. Very common in the rental market.
- Phishing: someone pretends to be customer service or your bank and asks for codes. We will never ask you for banking credentials or one-time codes.
- Overpayment: the "buyer" pays too much and asks for a refund — the original payment is fake.
If you have been scammed
- Contact your bank immediately — in some cases they can stop or trace a payment.
- Report it to the police (in Malta: pulizija.gov.mt, or 112 in an emergency).
- Let us know via Report listing or support@pjazzo.com, and we will look at the listing and the account.
Remember
No genuine counterparty needs your login or your one-time codes. They belong only with you and your bank. Keep the conversation on Monti for as long as you can — then everything is documented.
Related: How to stay safe as a buyer · What is safe trading? · Safe trading (full guide).