7 Warning Signs of a Rolex Submariner Scam on Nextdoor

Overpayment Refund Trap: Be extremely wary of buyers who offer to pay more than the asking price, often with a fabricated story about needing to cover shipping or third-party fees. They will then request you refund the difference, often using a payment method that is reversible, leaving you out both the watch and the excess funds. Always insist on the agreed-upon sale price and a secure payment method.

Fake Authentication Services: Scammers may insist on using their 'preferred' or 'trusted' authentication service, which is often a fake website or entity they control. They may ask you, the seller, to pay an upfront authentication fee. Once paid, they disappear with your money and never provide the service. Always use reputable, independent authentication services, or better yet, conduct the transaction in person with an expert.

Deals Too Good to Be True: If a seller is offering a new Rolex Submariner at a price significantly below market value, it's a major red flag. This could indicate a counterfeit watch or a scam where the item is never delivered. Thoroughly research market prices and be suspicious of extreme bargains.

Requesting Payment Outside of Nextdoor (Especially Gift Cards or Wire Transfers): Scammers often try to move the conversation and payment off the platform to avoid detection. They might pressure you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or other non-traceable methods. Nextdoor advises against clicking on links or using QR codes from unknown sources and emphasizes avoiding unusual payment methods.

Phishing Attempts via Links or QR Codes: Be cautious of any communication that directs you to click on suspicious links or scan QR codes, especially if they lead to external websites asking for personal or financial information. Nextdoor explicitly warns users not to click on links or use QR codes to unknown sites.

Handyman Licensing Fraud (Applicable to sellers offering services): While this is more relevant to service providers, be aware that individuals claiming to be legitimate handymen or contractors may operate without proper licensing or insurance, leading to fraudulent practices. If you are selling a watch that requires specialized handling or appraisal, ensure any involved third-party professionals are properly vetted.

Suspiciously Vague or AI-Generated Communication: Be wary of messages with poor grammar, unusual phrasing, or that seem overly generic or automated. Scammers often use AI to generate messages, and these can sometimes be detected by their unnatural language patterns.