The 5 Most Common Scams to Avoid When Buying a Rolex Submariner on ASOS Marketplace

1. Off-Platform Payment Lure: Scammers will often try to lure you away from the ASOS Marketplace platform to conduct the transaction privately. They might offer a discount for paying via bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or other unverified methods. This bypasses ASOS's buyer protection and leaves you with no recourse if the watch is fake or never arrives. Always keep transactions within the marketplace for security.

2. Super-Fake Designer Replica: The market for high-quality counterfeit watches, often termed 'super-fakes,' is increasingly sophisticated in 2026. These replicas can be incredibly convincing, mimicking genuine Rolex Submariners with remarkable accuracy in case dimensions, finishing, and even movement details. Scammers exploit this by passing off these fakes as authentic, making it difficult for even experienced buyers to distinguish them without expert examination. Look for inconsistencies in dial printing, rehaut engravings, weight, and the overall feel of the watch.

3. Shipping Tracking Manipulation: Some scammers may provide fake tracking numbers or manipulate legitimate tracking information to make it appear as though the item has been shipped and is on its way, or even delivered. This is often done to convince buyers to release funds prematurely or to delay any investigation into a non-received item. Always verify tracking information through official carrier websites and be wary of vague or inconsistent updates.

4. The Return Swap Scam: In this scam, a fraudulent seller accepts a return, but swaps the genuine Rolex Submariner with a counterfeit or a different, lesser item before sending it back. They then claim the item received was not what they sent. Meticulous documentation with time-stamped photos and videos of the watch from all angles before shipping is crucial, and it's advisable to use tracked and insured shipping for returns.

5. Discount Code Data Harvest: While not directly about the watch itself, be cautious of unsolicited offers for discount codes or special promotions via email or direct messages. These can be a guise for phishing attempts to steal your personal information, including payment details, which could then be used for fraudulent transactions. Always obtain discount codes directly from the official ASOS Marketplace channels.