How scoring works

Methodology

ResaleSight separates evidence extraction from risk scoring. The AI reads the screenshots; fixed rules calculate the score.

1. Screenshot evidence

The AI extracts the item, asking price, seller rating, account-history clues, payment method, buyer-protection language, urgency, and contradictions. It can also estimate a typical resale price when it can identify the item with enough confidence.

2. Expected market range

When the exact item, variant, and condition can be identified with enough confidence, the AI provides a conservative expected resale-market range based on general market knowledge. It is not a live lookup of current sold listings and does not use MSRP or a crossed-out list price as the comparison.

To reduce false positives, ResaleSight compares the asking price with the low end of that expected range. The percentage below that low end determines the price-risk contribution: under 15% = 0 points; 15–29% = 3; 30–44% = 8; 45–59% = 15; 60–74% = 25; 75–84% = 35; and 85%+ = 45. If the exact variant or a responsible range cannot be established, uncertainty lowers confidence instead of automatically adding price risk.

3. Deterministic scoring

Serious warning signs—especially off-platform payment requests, extreme discounts, very new or unrated seller accounts, identity conflicts, or contradictory listing details—add risk quickly. Independent warning signs can compound: for example, an implausibly cheap collectible from a seller with no track record is treated as more concerning than either fact alone. Strong seller history or a marketplace-managed certification program can reduce risk modestly. Buyer protection and in-app checkout are shown as useful recourse signals, but they do not lower the scam-risk score by themselves.

4. Missing evidence

Missing information lowers confidence rather than automatically raising the risk score. The risk score is driven by supported warning signs.

5. What the score means

• Low: relatively reassuring evidence, but normal marketplace safeguards still apply.
• Moderate: important details remain unverified.
• High: meaningful warning signs need independent verification before paying.
• Extreme: avoid buying as presented unless the major red flags can be resolved with strong evidence.

What ResaleSight does not do

It does not authenticate merchandise, confirm a seller’s identity, search live marketplace sales, guarantee buyer protection, or guarantee that a listing is legitimate.