How do I verify a seller's listing photos actually match the material they'll deliver?
Short answer: There's no way to be 100% certain from photos alone, but you can request a live video call showing the actual stockpile with a handwritten note (your name and today's date) visible in frame, ask for photos from multiple angles including close-ups of any claimed grade markers, and cross-check the listing's timestamp against when photos were actually taken if the platform shows that.
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Browse Listings →Why photos alone aren’t proof
Photos can be recycled from an old listing, sourced from stock images, or simply show a small “best” sample while the bulk of the actual lot looks different. None of that is necessarily malicious, but it means photos by themselves only tell you what a seller wants you to see.
What actually helps: a live video call
Asking for a live video call where the seller walks around the actual stockpile, holding up a piece of paper with your name or company and today’s date, is one of the few checks that’s hard to fake. It doesn’t guarantee everything is exactly as described, but it rules out the most common “photos don’t match reality at all” scam pattern.
What to do for larger purchases
For a genuinely large or first-time purchase, it’s reasonable to request a third-party inspection before finalizing payment, especially if you can’t visit in person. The cost of an inspection is small compared to the cost of a shipment that doesn’t match what was promised.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
On ScrapTrade, verified sellers have already been through a business verification step, and buyers can message directly to request additional photos or a video walkthrough before committing to a purchase.
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