Common Scams to Avoid When Buying a Custom-built Stratocaster on Mercari

The 'Stolen Stock Photo Listing' Scam: Be wary of listings using generic or stolen images that don't accurately represent the custom guitar being sold. Scammers often pull images from the internet or from legitimate seller listings to create fake listings. Always look for unique, high-quality photos that showcase the specific instrument, including close-ups of the build details, serial numbers, and any custom features. If the photos look too perfect or are inconsistent with the description, it's a major red flag.

The 'Too Good to Be True' Pricing Scam: While finding a great deal is exciting, an exceptionally low price for a custom-built Stratocaster is often a sign of a scam. Scammers use these unbelievable prices to lure in unsuspecting buyers. They may then ship an empty box, a vastly inferior product, or no item at all. Always compare the listed price to the market value for similar custom instruments.

The 'Off-Platform Payment Inquiry' Scam: Scammers frequently try to move transactions off Mercari to avoid platform protection. They might ask you to communicate or pay via email, text, or other third-party payment apps. Mercari explicitly states that they do not protect transactions conducted outside their platform. Engaging in off-platform payments is one of the quickest ways to lose your money and any recourse.

The 'Item Swap Return Fraud': This is a particularly insidious scam where a buyer receives the custom guitar and then returns a different, often cheaper or damaged, item in its place. They might claim the item was defective or not as described. Mercari's return policy has been criticized for sometimes favoring the buyer, making it difficult for sellers to contest such swaps. Always document the condition of your guitar thoroughly before shipping and be vigilant if you receive a return that doesn't match your original item.

Fake Authentication Certificates: For high-value custom guitars, some scammers might provide fake authentication certificates. These can look very convincing but are worthless. Always verify the authenticity of the guitar itself through reputable sources and, if possible, through Mercari's own authentication services for luxury items if applicable.