Facebook Marketplace Scams - How to Avoid Them

Common Marketplace Scams

1. Common Seller Scams

• Overpayment Scam: The buyer "accidentally" sends more money than the agreed price (often via a fake email or check) and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment is fake, and you lose the money you "refund".
• Fake Payment Confirmation: A buyer sends a fake screenshot or a fake email from PayPal/Facebook saying you’ve been paid. Always check your actual bank account or app balance directly—never trust a screenshot.
• The "Shipped" Item Scam: A buyer insists on using their own shipping label or says they've already arranged a courier to pick up the item, leading to a stolen item without payment.

2. Common Buyer Scams

• Undelivered Items: You pay for an item, usually via a non-reversible method (like Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards), and the seller never ships it and blocks you.
• Counterfeit or Defective Goods: The item received is different from what was advertised, or it is a fake luxury item.
• Rental/Housing Scam: A "landlord" asks for a deposit to secure an apartment before you have seen it in person.

3. General Platform Scams

• Google Voice/Verification Code Scam: A buyer asks for your phone number to "verify you are real." They use your phone number to set up a Google Voice account, using your number to scam others, or to gain access to your accounts. Never share verification codes sent to your phone.
• Moving Off-Platform: Scammers will try to move communication to WhatsApp, email, or text to avoid Facebook’s detection systems.
• Hacked Accounts: Scammers use hacked, legitimate-looking, or aged profiles to gain trust.

How to Stay Safe

• Meet in Person: Use a well-lit, public, or supervised safe exchange zone for transactions.
• Use Secure Payments: Cash is safest. Use Facebook's checkout system for shipped items to get protection.
• Verify Account Activity: Check the seller/buyer profile to see when the account was created. New accounts are higher risk.
• Don't Trust Screenshots: Verify payment directly in your bank app.
• Trust Your Gut: If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.