GlossaryDefinition
Exit Scam
A seller who takes payment and disappears without delivering, often after building up trust or running a promotion first.
An exit scam occurs when a seller accepts payment for digital goods but has no intention of delivering them. This often happens after a seller has established a reputation, perhaps through promotions or seemingly legitimate sales, to gain the trust of buyers before disappearing with their funds. The seller might vanish entirely, shut down their storefront, or simply stop responding to all inquiries, leaving buyers without the purchased product and their money.
For buyers, an exit scam represents a direct financial loss and a breach of trust. For legitimate sellers, it damages the reputation of the entire marketplace and makes it harder for honest businesses to operate. It's crucial to be aware of this risk, especially when dealing with new or unverified sellers, or when large sums are involved. Always prioritize sellers with a proven track record and consider using payment methods that offer buyer protection. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they can be a precursor to an exit scam.
After a popular promotion, the seller suddenly closed their shop and vanished, taking all the payments without delivering the promised accounts.