In the 2026 ratings, Amazon, Lazada, Shopee and TikTok Shop receive four ticks, Carousell two and Facebook Marketplace one.
The rating measures platform safeguards, not whether a particular listing is genuine.
Read ticks as platform controls
MHA assesses seller verification, monitoring, secure payment, records, disputes and effectiveness. A high score lowers some platform risk but cannot certify each seller or item. (MHA transaction safety ratings)
Four services received four ticks, Carousell received two and Facebook Marketplace one. Use the exact current table because safeguards and ratings can change by year.
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| Four-tick platform | Still keep payment and messaging inside the platform |
| One- or two-tick platform | Apply stronger seller and payment checks |
| Seller requests an external transfer | Stop and keep the transaction on-platform |
| Price or urgency is implausible | Leave the listing and verify independently |
Stay inside protected flows
Moving to a chat app or bank transfer can remove platform evidence and dispute tools. Keep product description, messages, payment and delivery tracking together. (ScamShield e-commerce scam guide)
For high-value goods, check serials, warranty, condition and seller identity through safe methods. Meet only in an appropriate public place if the platform model requires collection.
Example: A four-tick platform plus an external bank-transfer request is still a high-risk transaction. The safer choice is to use the protected checkout or not transact.
Use a stop rule
Unusual urgency, overpayment stories and requests for fees are reasons to pause. Do not let a countdown or claimed competing buyer override verification.
Preserve the listing URL, seller account, chat, payment record and time. Use platform reporting and ScamShield guidance, then contact the bank quickly if money moved.
- Check the current tick rating
- Review seller history
- Keep chat on-platform
- Use protected payment
- Inspect high-value goods
- Stop on urgency
- Save and report evidence
