Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Facebook Marketplace Scams - How to Avoid Them

Facebook Marketplace scams often involve fake payments, overpayment fraud, and non-delivery of items. Common red flags include buyers overpaying and asking for a refund, requests to move communication off-platform, and items priced too good to be true. Always verify funds in your account, meet in person in public places, and avoid sharing personal codes.

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.
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