The Most Common iPhone 17 Pro Max Scams on Mercari in 2026 to Avoid

Empty Box Shipping Scam: Be wary of listings where the seller claims to have shipped the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but only an empty box arrives. Scammers might use this tactic, especially if they've used stolen stock photos, hoping Mercari's protection for sellers is insufficient in proving the item was actually sent.

Fake Tracking 'Delivered' Bait: This scam involves a seller providing a tracking number that shows the item as 'delivered' when it hasn't reached the buyer. They may use the tracking from a similar, lower-value item they previously shipped to trick the system and claim the transaction is complete.

Stolen Stock Photo Listing: Scammers often use high-quality images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max that they've taken from other listings or the internet. These listings might be for counterfeit devices or items they don't actually possess, making it crucial to scrutinize seller reviews and ask for authentic, unedited photos.

Electronic Component Swap: A more intricate scam involves a seller sending an iPhone 17 Pro Max that has had its internal components (like the logic board or storage) swapped with cheaper, non-functional, or older parts. The exterior may look authentic, but the device will not function as expected.

The 3-Day Rating Trap: Buyers may attempt to manipulate the 3-day rating window by claiming the iPhone 17 Pro Max is defective or not as described after receiving it. If you, as a seller, rate the item too quickly without verifying the return, or if Mercari sides with the buyer on a flimsy claim, you might lose both the phone and your payment.

Item Swap Return Fraud: This scam occurs when a buyer receives the iPhone 17 Pro Max and then returns a different, damaged, or counterfeit item in its place, often claiming the original was faulty. Mercari's seller protection can be challenging to navigate in these situations, potentially leaving sellers out of pocket.

Off-Platform Payment Inquiry: Be extremely cautious if a buyer or seller asks to move the transaction off Mercari, perhaps to a platform like Zelle, Venmo, or an external payment service. This is a common tactic to bypass Mercari's buyer and seller protections, leaving both parties vulnerable.