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Facebook Marketplace scams: 12 common scams and how to avoid them
With over 3 billion (yes, billion!) monthly active users, Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular peer-to-peer selling platforms in the world.1 The platform’s global reach also makes it a prime target for fraud.
Most scams on Facebook Marketplace work because they seem straightforward: a seller posts a listing, a buyer responds, a deal is made, and payment or goods are sent. However, nearly all scams follow predictable patterns. Take a closer look, and you’ll spot the inconsistencies.
While Facebook Marketplace scams look convincing, they follow a surprisingly predictable playbook. This guide walks you through the platform’s most common scams for buyers and sellers, including how to avoid each scam and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
Once you know the scammer’s playbook, you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud.
According to FTC data, online marketplace fraud is among the fastest-growing categories of fraud. In fact, social media platforms drove
- Most Facebook Marketplace scams follow predictable patterns. Learn the playbook to protect yourself from fraud.
- Scams on Facebook Marketplace affect buyers and sellers differently. Sellers can be at higher risk for significant financial loss.
- Whenever possible, insist on in-person cash transactions. Cash is the safest way to buy or sell on Facebook Marketplace.
- If you think you’ve been scammed, act within 24-48 hours. Stop contact with the scammer, report the listing, call your bank or payment provider, file reports with the FTC and FBI, and check the dark web to see what personal information may have been exposed.
Are there really that many scams on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes—and the majority of scam-related losses start on social media. In 2025 alone, more money was lost to scams on Facebook than on any other social media platform.2
Facebook Marketplace is designed for fast transactions with people in your area. However, its convenience creates the exact conditions scammers exploit: relative anonymity, direct messaging, and a high volume of listings.
To reduce the risk of fraud on its platform, Facebook provides the following built-in protections for marketplace buyers and sellers:3
- Purchase protection for eligible items bought or sold through Facebook’s checkout system. (We’ll cover Facebook’s protection policies later in this guide.)
- In-app reporting tools for users to flag profiles and listings
- Automatic in-app alerts for suspicious friend requests
- AI detection systems that monitor for scam patterns and remove fraudulent ads and accounts
- Viewable profile history, including review ratings from past transactions
While Facebook’s security measures can help protect you from scammers, they don’t extend to transactions made outside the platform. Once you move your communication or payments off Facebook, you become most vulnerable to fraud.
Facebook Marketplace scams targeting buyers
Buyers and sellers face different risks on Facebook Marketplace. As a buyer, you're most likely to be scammed by paying for an item that never arrives, doesn’t match the listed description, or doesn't exist at all.
Here are the most common Facebook Marketplace scams that target buyers.
1. Fake listings / counterfeit items
How it works:
The scammer poses as a seller and lists an item at a very appealing price. Once you send payment, they either ship you a convincing fake or disappear without sending anything.
This type of scam is especially common for high-demand items: electronics, sneakers, designer clothing or accessories, gaming consoles, and concert tickets.
Red flags:
- The listed price is significantly below market value—no explanation offered
- The listing shows very few photos, and/or the photos resemble stock or brand images copied from another listing or website
- The seller account is new, has no reviews, or shows a blank profile
- They pressure you to buy quickly ("I have three other people interested")
How to protect yourself:
Search the item and price on StockX, eBay, or Google Shopping before buying. If, for example, a $350 item on eBay is listed for $80 on Facebook Marketplace, it’s likely a scam.
2. Bait-and-switch scams
How it works:
An alleged seller lists a high-value item, such as a car, furniture, or electronics. Once you pay, they ship or hand off a less valuable item—or a completely different item—than what was described.
For example, you think you’re buying a new or slightly used MacBook Pro. When you meet up in person, the seller hands you a heavily damaged or older model.
Red flags:
- The seller avoids meeting in person or doing a live video call to show the listed item
- Photos appear to be stock images or pulled from another listing
- The item description (condition, serial or model number, etc.) is vague
How to protect yourself:
Meet in person whenever possible, and inspect the item before paying. If you can’t meet in person, request a live video call to inspect the item. Back out of the deal if they say no.
3. Rental and housing deposit scams
How it works:
A fake landlord or property manager creates a compelling listing that is typically cloned directly from a legitimate rental site (Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.). After you reply to the listing, they ask for a deposit before you meet up in person to view the unit. Once you pay the deposit, they disappear.
Red flags:
- The listed rent or cost is below market rate for the area
- The “landlord” or “property manager” claims they can't do an in-person showing (“I’m out of the country right now”)
- They request payment upfront via Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, wire transfer, or gift cards
How to protect yourself:
Verify property ownership through your county assessor's public records. Before you send a deposit, view the property in person and confirm that the alleged landlord / property manager has legal authority to lease it.
See our Craigslist scam guide for more details on how the rental and housing scam works on online marketplaces.
4. Car scams (buying)
How it works:
An alleged seller claims they can’t meet in person because they’re active military, living overseas, or traveling. They offer to ship the car to you after payment. They send you a link to their preferred escrow service. However, the website is fake and controlled by the scammer to steal your payment or personal information.
Red flags:
- The listed price is far below Kelley Blue Book or market value
- The seller shares an elaborate backstory to justify why they need to sell the car
- They refuse to meet in person or allow a third-party inspection
How to protect yourself:
Never buy a vehicle you haven't personally viewed and inspected. If you agree to an escrow service, use one recommended by your bank—not one provided by the seller. Run a VIN check via vehiclehistory.gov before any transaction.
Fake escrow sites are a common scammer tactic, and can be used to trick victims on any platform. Learn more about how scammers use fake escrow sites on Reddit.
5. The "free item" scam
How it works:
An alleged buyer expresses interest in something you've listed as free or very cheap, then offers to send a prepaid shipping label. The label turns out to be fraudulent; the scammer wants to collect your personal information—name, address, and possibly payment data—through the shipping process.
Red flags:
- The buyer pushes you to ship a low-value item that you could easily give away locally
- They offer to handle all shipping logistics themselves
How to protect yourself:
For free or cheap items, only agree to local pickups. Shipping a low-value item isn’t worth the risk of handing over your address or other personal details to a stranger you can't verify.
Facebook Marketplace scams targeting sellers
Sellers who list high-value items can be at higher risk for significant financial loss than buyers on Facebook Marketplace. Typically, fraudsters use sophisticated methods to “send” fake payments or shipments that trick sellers into sharing personal or financial information.
Here are the most common Facebook Marketplace scams that target sellers.
1. Overpayment / fake check scams
How it works:
Posing as a buyer, the scammer sends you a cashier's check or money order for more than your asking price. They tell you they accidentally overpaid and ask you to refund the difference.
The check looks legitimate, and your bank may even show the funds temporarily. However, the check bounces within days, and the bank initiates a clawback.
What is a clawback?
When a deposited check turns out to be fraudulent, your bank reverses the deposit and takes back the funds—even if you've already spent or transferred them. You lose both the item you shipped and the money you "refunded" to the scammer.
Red flags:
- The buyer sends payment for more than your asking price
- They pressure you to quickly ship the item you’re selling (before your bank clears the check)
How to protect yourself:
Instead of accepting cashier’s checks or money orders, use cash or Facebook’s built-in checkout system. Never ship an item or refund money until a payment has fully cleared (not just posted) with your bank.
2. Zelle scams on Facebook Marketplace
Zelle scams are dangerous seller traps because payments are instant and irreversible, and Zelle does not offer a dispute process for lost funds. Once you've sent money, you have little to no recourse to recover your funds.
How it works:
Zelle scams involve two variants of a scammer posing as a buyer:
1. The screenshot scam
The “buyer” sends you a convincing (but fake) screenshot of a "Zelle payment confirmation." You ship the item, and the money never actually arrives in your account.
2. The "business account upgrade" scam
The alleged buyer claims that because you're selling commercially, your Zelle account needs to be "upgraded" to a business account to receive funds. They send you a link that asks you to log in or pay a "fee" to unlock the payment.
Zelle does not charge fees or require upgrades to receive money. This is always a scam. The link is fake and controlled by the scammer to steal your money or personal data.
Red flags:
- The buyer insists you use Zelle instead of another payment type
- Any "payment confirmation" sent as an image or screenshot
- Any instruction to click a link, "verify" your account, or “upgrade” your Zelle account type
How to protect yourself:
Zelle is designed to send money to friends and family, not strangers. Avoid using Zelle or other P2P payments on Facebook Marketplace.
Also, real Zelle payments appear instantly in your linked bank account. Before shipping anything to a “buyer,” confirm that their payment clears in your bank account. A screenshot sent over Facebook Messenger does not count as a valid form of payment confirmation.
See our Zelle scam protection guide to find out which types of transactions are covered by Zelle.
3. Venmo scams on Facebook Marketplace
Similar to Zelle scams, Venmo scams take advantage of the platform’s instant, irreversible payment feature and the lack of recourse to dispute payments.
How it works:
Facebook Marketplace Venmo scams involve two variants of a scammer posing as a buyer:
1. Chargeback scam
The “buyer” pays your personal account without opting for purchase protection. Later, they contact their bank and claim the transaction was unauthorized. If the bank decides a chargeback in the scammer’s favor, Venmo can deduct the payment from your account.
1. Payment cancellation scam
The alleged buyer sends a payment to your personal account. Before you transfer the funds from Venmo to your bank, they cancel the transaction, and your funds disappear.
Red flags:
- The buyer insists you use Venmo instead of another payment type
- The buyer insists on sending money to your personal account and refuses to use Venmo’s “goods and services” option
How to protect yourself:
P2P payment apps, including Venmo and Zelle, are intended for transactions with people you know and trust. If you decide to sell an item with Venmo, insist that the buyer use the “goods and services” option so you have access to the platform’s purchase protection.
Extra safety tip: Venmo’s purchase protection isn't totally risk-free. The buyer could still dispute the transaction with their bank, which means you could wait at least 100 days for the bank to issue a final decision. If the chargeback is approved, you’ll have to refund the amount you were paid to Venmo.4
Ultimately, your safest tactic to prevent payment fraud is to insist on in-person cash transactions.
4. Shipping scams (seller side)
How it works:
An alleged buyer requests that you ship the item and offers to provide their own shipping label or courier. The shipping label is either fraudulent, stolen, or routed through an address that hides the buyer's identity.
After you ship, the buyer’s “payment” either reverses or never gets sent. You lose both the item and the payment.
Red flags:
- The buyer insists that they’ll send their own courier. (Legitimate buyers don't have private couriers on standby for Marketplace purchases.)
How to protect yourself:
Meet in person whenever possible. If shipping is necessary, use only carriers you arrange yourself (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.), and accept payment only from platforms that offer purchase protection. The checkout system on Facebook offers built-in purchase protection for eligible Facebook Marketplace transactions, while PayPal and Venmo’s “goods and services” payment settings offer protection for buyers and sellers.
5. The verification code / phone number scam
How it works:
In response to your listing, a "buyer" contacts you to confirm you're a real person. They text you a six-digit verification code and ask you to share it. Once you do, they register a Google Voice number linked to your phone number. Then they use your number to impersonate you and run future scams on other victims.
Red flags:
- Any request to share a verification code you didn't initiate
- The buyer asks you to move your conversation off-platform to text, WhatsApp, or Telegram
- They request to "verify" your identity before they commit to buying
How to protect yourself:
Never share any verification code with anyone—period. This is a scam every time, and it’s a common fraud tactic targeting Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist users. See our comprehensive Craigslist scam guide for more details on how the verification code scam works and what to do if you accidentally share a verification code.
6. The "out of town" or "brother will pick up" script
How it works:
An alleged buyer claims they can't meet in person but will send a check in advance or a representative (family member, driver, etc.) to pick up the item. This script is a classic stall tactic used to tee up the overpayment / fake check scam described earlier.
Red flags:
- The buyer can’t meet in person
- They send payment, usually a cashier's check or money order, before picking up the item
- They share an elaborate backstory to explain why they can’t meet up
How to protect yourself:
Insist on meeting the buyer directly. If they keep making excuses, walk away from the sale.
7. Phishing via Facebook Messenger
How it works:
You receive a message via Facebook Messenger that claims to come from Facebook, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. The message asks you to “log in” to the platform from the link.
The linked website looks real but is controlled by the scammer. Once you enter your credentials, the scammer can access your accounts, post fraudulent listings under your name, and lock you out of your accounts.
Red flags:
- Any link that takes you off Facebook to an external "authentication" page
- Urgent messaging ("Your account will be suspended unless you verify now")
How to protect yourself:
To log in to your account, go directly to the platform's official site or app. Never “log in” using a link sent to you from Facebook Messenger.
Extra safety tip: Phishing scams can target anyone on Facebook, not just marketplace sellers. Be wary of opening any links sent through Facebook Messenger, especially links sent by strangers.
How to know if a Facebook Marketplace message is a scam
If you've received a suspicious message and want to know how to spot a scam on Facebook Marketplace, run through the list of common red flags.
🚩 Red Flag Checklist
- Off-platform redirect: They quickly ask to move messaging from Facebook Messenger to text, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email
- Price doesn't make sense: Their offer is significantly above or below the listing price
- No account history: They have a new account, no reviews, and no profile photo
- Non-standard requests: Any request involving verification codes, gift cards, or wire transfers is a scam!
- Screenshot "proof" of payment: They send payment confirmation as a screenshot in Facebook Messenger. (Real payments appear in your bank or app.)
- Emotional pressure: They rely on a sob story to make you hesitate or feel guilty. They might say something like, "I'm getting divorced and need the money," or "I'm moving and need to get rid of my stuff right away."
- Urgent language: They use excuses to make you move quickly. They might say, "I need to know by tonight," "Another buyer is ready to go," or "I'm leaving the country tomorrow."
If any of these red flags apply to a message you've received, treat the interaction as a scam and walk away from the deal. For a more detailed list of red flags for buyers and sellers, download our free Safety Marketplace Checklist to use before your next transaction.
What payment methods are safe on Facebook Marketplace?
The safest payments leave a paper trail and have a dispute process. Here's how the most common methods compare.
How to report a scam on Facebook Marketplace
If you've encountered a scam or suspicious message, report it immediately. Here's how:
- Report the listing. Go to the listing → Tap the three-dot menu (…) → Select "Report listing" → Choose the reason that applies.
- Report the profile. Go to their Facebook profile → Tap the three-dot menu → Select "Report" → Follow the prompts.
- Block the user. From the same profile, select "Block" to prevent further contact.
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC is the primary federal database for fraud reports.
- Report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. The IC3 tracks online fraud trends and threats; reporting to the IC3 is especially crucial for losses over $500.
- File a local police report. If you experienced financial loss, a police report is typically required for insurance or bank dispute documentation.
For more in-depth steps on how to report a scam, refer to our guide on what to do if you got scammed on Facebook Marketplace.
What to do if you've already been scammed on Facebook Marketplace
If you've been scammed on Facebook Marketplace, act quickly. The first 24-48 hours are critical for limiting your losses.
- Stop all communication immediately. Don't respond or try to negotiate with the scammer. Stop all contact right away.
- Contact your bank or payment app. Call your bank and explain what happened. For credit card payments, request a chargeback. For bank transfers, ask if a recall is possible. Act the same day if you can.
- File reports. File with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, with the FBI at ic3.gov, and with local police if there was financial loss.
Facebook rarely reverses transactions completed outside its checkout system. Reporting the account can help protect other users, but it won’t recover your lost item or money. For more detailed steps on how to report a scam and maximize your chances of getting your money back, see our comprehensive guide on what to do after a Facebook Marketplace scam.
Also, scammers who contacted you may now have access to your phone number, name, and address. That's enough to attempt identity theft. Run a free dark web scan to see if your data is already circulating.
Does Facebook Marketplace have scam protection?
Facebook Marketplace does offer some protection against scams. However, their protection policies apply only to transactions made through their built-in checkout system.5
What Facebook’s purchase protection covers:
- Item not received (when shipped via Facebook checkout)
- Item arrived damaged or significantly different than described
- Unauthorized purchase
- Seller didn't follow their stated refund policy
- Seller has been removed from Facebook
What purchase protection does NOT cover:
- Purchases made through third-party sites: Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Cash app, gift card or wire transfer services, etc.
- Transcations (delivery or pickup) made in person
- Transactions made through Faceboook Messenger (not Facebook checkout) or third-party messaging services: text, email, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
- Minor damages or missing parts
- Vehicles, real estate, perishable goods, tickets, antiques / collectibles, or custom-made items
Extra safety tip: If you know you’ve been scammed and want coverage for your losses, OmniWatch's scam reimbursement coverage can help recover up to $50,000 in lost funds. Unlike your bank, which may decline claims for peer-to-peer payment fraud, OmniWatch's coverage is designed specifically for marketplace and social media scams.
Facebook can only protect buyers and sellers who use their checkout system. For any transactions made outside the platform, the extent of scam protection depends entirely on the payment method you use.
To prevent fraud on Facebook Marketplace, your best defense is to learn the patterns, spot the red flags, and trust your gut. If you feel rushed to make a deal, or if something feels off, walk away! No item or sale is worth exposing your money or data to scammers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get scammed as a seller on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes—and sellers can be at higher risk than buyers in some scenarios. Overpayment scams, fake Zelle screenshots, fraudulent shipping labels, and verification code scams all specifically target sellers. See the seller scams section above for details.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe to use?
Facebook Marketplace can be safe to use if you follow certain precautions. Whether buying or selling on the platform, verify listings independently, meet in person for local pickups, stick to paying with cash or Facebook's checkout system, and trust your instincts when something feels off.
What is the most common scam on Facebook Marketplace?
According to the FTC, shopping scams were the most-reported category of fraud on social media in 2025.2 On Facebook Marketplace, shopping scams can include fake listings, non-delivery, and counterfeit goods. They can also lead to other types of fraud, including overpayment, shipping, and verification code scams.
Can you get your money back if scammed on Facebook Marketplace?
The answer depends on how you paid. Facebook's checkout system covers eligible transactions. PayPal and Venmo's "goods and services" payment settings include purchase protection. Zelle, Cash App, personal payments made through PayPal and Venmo, wire transfers, and gift cards are generally not recoverable.
What should I do if someone tries to scam me?
Don't engage further. Take a screenshot of the conversation, block the user, report the listing and profile to Facebook, and file reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. If you met in person or have identifying information about the scammer, file a local police report. Finally, if you shared personal information, run a dark web scan to check for identity exposure.
Does reporting a scam on Facebook actually do anything?
Reporting helps Facebook identify and remove fraudulent accounts, which protects future users. However, reporting a scam to Facebook won't get your money back.
Instead, report fraud to your bank or payment app to try to recover your losses. Also consider scam reimbursement coverage to recover up to $50,000 in lost funds.
Are Venmo and Zelle safe to use on Facebook Marketplace?
Zelle and Venmo are generally not safe to use for payments between strangers. Both payment platforms are designed for people you know and trust, not marketplace transactions. Cash and Facebook's checkout system are the two safest payment methods for Facebook Marketplace transactions.
This guide is published by OmniWatch. Follow OmniWatch on Facebook for ongoing guidance on identity protection, digital safety, and scam awareness.
1 Statista, Most popular social networks worldwide as of October 2025, by number of monthly active users
2 Federal Trade Commission, Reported losses to scams on social media eight times higher than in 2020
3 Meta, Fighting Scammers and Protecting People With New Technology and Partnerships
4 Venmo, Chargebacks on Venmo Payments
5 Facebook, How Purchase Protection works on Facebook
