What’s the safest way to buy a used GPU without getting scammed?

The safest local option is to see the card running before you pay. Ask the seller to show the system recognizing the exact GPU model, then run a game or benchmark for a few minutes. Check for display problems, crashes, unusual fan noise, overheating, or obvious artifacts. Seeing it work in person won’t prove everything, but it eliminates many common scams.

Buying new would obviously be simpler, but a new 9060-class card costs roughly €600 here, which is more than I want to spend.

For shipping, use a marketplace with strong buyer protection and pay with a method that lets you dispute the charge, such as a major credit card or a reputable payment service. Keep screenshots of the listing, messages, payment receipt, and tracking details. Record yourself opening the package, especially if the item might be missing or replaced with something else. Don’t let the seller pressure you into handling a shipping claim outside the marketplace’s normal dispute process.

If the card is shipped, test it immediately after delivery with something like OCCT or another GPU stress-testing tool that checks for errors. Also verify the model and VRAM in the operating system or GPU utility. Asking the seller questions is useful, but a card can appear fine in a short demonstration and still fail under load, so buyer protection and a return window matter a lot.