RECOGNIZE THE PATTERN
Common warning signs
One sign may have an innocent explanation. Several signs together are a strong reason to stop and verify.
- Pressure to act immediately
You are told the job, property or item will disappear unless you pay or reply now.
- Payment before you can verify
You are asked for a deposit, viewing fee, equipment payment or partial payment before seeing the item, property or employer.
- Unusual payment instructions
The person insists on a wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or payment to an unrelated name.
- Contact details do not add up
The seller or recruiter will not provide a Cayman number, meet locally or communicate through an official business account.
- The offer is unrealistically good
The salary, price or terms are far better than comparable listings and the explanation is vague.
ECAYJOBS
Applying for jobs safely
Before you apply
- Confirm that the company has a real website, location and independently listed contact details.
- Check that email addresses use the employer’s real domain where one exists.
- Compare the recruiter’s name and role with the company’s official channels.
- Use the WORC Job ID shown on an eCayJobs listing to verify WORC-linked roles.
Never pay to get hired
A legitimate employer should not ask you to pay an application fee, purchase gift cards or send money for training or equipment before employment is verified.
Do not share online-banking credentials, one-time passcodes or card details with a recruiter.
Protect identity documents. A CV may include contact details, but do not send a passport or driver’s licence until you have verified the employer and understand why the document is required.
ECAYTRADE
Buying, selling and meeting in person
See it first
Do not purchase, rent or reserve an item sight unseen. Inspect it before completing the transaction.
Meet publicly
Choose a well-lit public place during the day. Tell someone where you are going, and bring another person when possible.
Pay only when satisfied
Avoid advance transfers and partial payments. Confirm the item and seller before money changes hands.
ACCOUNT AND IDENTITY
Protect your account and personal information
Keep sign-in details private
eCay should never need your password or one-time code. Do not enter them through a link sent in an unexpected message.
Check suspicious messages
Unexpected password resets, account-change notices and attachments may be phishing. Open eCay directly instead of using the message link.
Share only what is necessary
Do not email identity documents to an unverified person. Redact information that is not needed for a legitimate process.
REPORT A CONCERN
Tell eCay what happened
Send the listing URL, the user’s contact details, screenshots and a short description. Do not include passwords, one-time codes or full banking details.
QUICK ANSWERS
Safety questions
Should I pay to view a property or product?
No. The current eCay guidance identifies requests for viewing fees as a warning sign. Verify the listing and meet safely before any transaction.
What if the owner says they are overseas?
Slow down and verify independently. Avoid advance payment, request a Cayman contact number and do not proceed if the property or item cannot be inspected locally.
Can a seller ask for a partial payment?
Do not continue until you can verify the person and the item. Advance or partial payments can be difficult to recover and are a common scam pattern.