Sneaker reselling has exploded over the last few years. Limited drops, exclusive collabs, and high demand mean some pairs sell for 5–10x their retail price on the secondary market. But where there’s money, there are scammers.

From fake marketplaces to Instagram deals gone wrong, counterfeiters have become experts at making their offers look legitimate. Here’s how to avoid falling into the resell trap.

1. Suspiciously Low Prices

If you see a $1,000 sneaker listed for $200, stop. Counterfeiters often lure buyers with deals that undercut market value by hundreds of dollars.

Pro tip: Always check resale prices on trusted platforms before making an offer.

2. No Proof of Purchase

Legit sellers usually provide:

• Store receipts
• Order confirmation emails
• Photos of the original packaging and labels

If a seller can’t provide these, it’s a major red flag.

3. Fake Marketplaces and Social Media Scams

Pop-up sites and fake social profiles can look convincing. Some even steal images from real sellers.

• Double-check URLs (scammers often misspell known marketplaces).
• Look for verified seller badges or long-standing profiles with transaction history.

4. Too Much Pressure to Buy Fast

Scammers use urgency to push quick sales:

• “Only one left”
• “Need payment in the next hour”
• “DM me for a private deal”

Legitimate sellers won’t force you to rush.

5. No Authentication Option

A trustworthy seller will have no problem with third-party authentication. If they refuse or get defensive when you ask to verify the sneakers, walk away.

Stay Safe: Authenticate Before You Pay

Scammers are getting smarter every day, but you can protect yourself. With CheckCheck, you can:

• Authenticate sneakers, handbags, and collectibles before purchasing
• Get a verified pass/fail result in minutes
• Avoid losing money on high-quality fakes

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