Facebook Marketplace Scams

Many scams on online marketplaces target people who are trying to sell items. Scammers often pose as interested buyers and try to trick sellers into sending money or sharing personal information.

Some common seller scams include:

Fake payment confirmations
A scammer may send a screenshot claiming they’ve already paid for the item. In reality, the payment was never sent.

Overpayment scams
A buyer may claim they accidentally sent too much money and ask you to refund the difference. The original payment is usually fake or will later be reversed.

Courier or moving company scams
The “buyer” may say they can’t pick up the item and will send a courier or moving company instead. They may ask you to pay a delivery fee upfront that they promise to reimburse.

Common Scams Targeting Buyers

Buyers can also fall victim to scams when criminals post fake listings.

Some warning signs include:

Prices that seem too good to be true
Scammers often list popular items like electronics, furniture, or vehicles at extremely low prices to attract quick interest.

Requests for deposits
A seller may ask for a deposit to “hold” an item. After receiving the payment, they disappear.

Fake rental listings
Scammers sometimes post fake homes or apartments for rent and ask for application fees or deposits before you ever see the property.

The Verification Code Scam

Another scam involves requesting a verification code.

It usually works like this:

1. A buyer asks for your phone number.
2. They claim they need to send a code to confirm you’re a real person.
3. You receive a legitimate security code from a company like Google or Facebook.
4. The scammer asks you to send them that code.

If you share it, they may use it to access your accounts. Always remember: verification codes should never be shared with anyone.

Scammers often try to move conversations away from the marketplace platform to text messages, email, or other apps. This allows them to avoid built-in security features and monitoring systems that may detect suspicious behavior. Many platforms also make it easier to report and block users, something scammers want to avoid.

Moving off-platform also gives scammers more control. They may send fake links, payment requests, or phishing messages that look legitimate but are designed to steal your information.

To stay safer, keep communication within the marketplace messaging system whenever possible. If someone insists on switching to another form of communication early in the conversation, consider it a red flag.

If you plan to buy or sell items online, taking a few extra precautions can go a long way in protecting your safety and your money.

Meet in a public, well-lit location
Choose places like shopping centers, bank parking lots, or other busy areas where there are people around.

Bring a friend or family member if possible
Having someone with you adds an extra layer of safety and can help you feel more confident during the transaction.

Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information
You should never need to share details like your home address, banking information, or verification codes to complete a sale.

Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to act quickly
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking things through. Take your time and don’t feel rushed to make a decision.

Use secure payment methods whenever possible
Stick to trusted payment options and avoid unusual requests like gift cards, wire transfers, or sending money before receiving the item.

Many communities also offer safe exchange zones, often located at local police departments, where buyers and sellers can meet in a secure environment.

Trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious or doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to walk away from the deal. Scammers often rely on making situations feel urgent or “too good to pass up” so that you act quickly without asking questions.

Some signs it may be time to walk away include:

• The other person refuses to meet in person
• They won’t answer simple questions about the item
• Payment requests seem unusual or complicated
• The deal feels rushed or pressured

A legitimate buyer or seller will understand your need to take precautions and will be willing to work with you in a safe and reasonable way.