4 Facebook Marketplace Scams and How to Protect Yourself

Nobody likes the moment of realizing they've been fooled by a Facebook Marketplace scam. mapodile / Getty Images

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling goods, from used cars to gaming systems. However, as with any online marketplace, it has also become a breeding ground for scams.

In Facebook Marketplace scams, bad actors often exploit unsuspecting users, leading to identity theft, financial loss and other forms of online fraud. This article will guide you through the common scams on Facebook Marketplace, how to spot them and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

1. Seller Scams

In a seller scam, the scammer posts a fake listing, often advertising high-demand items (like a gaming system) at attractive prices. The item either doesn't exist, or the scammer has no intention of delivering it.

In some cases, the scammer might send the buyer an item that's very different from what they advertised (such as an item made from lower-quality materials).

How to Spot It: Be wary of listings that offer items at full price, and always ask for additional information when the deal seems too good to be true. A seller who avoids using Facebook Messenger or refuses to meet in person might also be a red flag.

How to Avoid It: To avoid a listing scam, insist on meeting the seller in person to inspect the item before paying. Use secure payment methods and steer clear of deals that require you to pay upfront without verifying the legitimacy of the seller or the item. A local seller should not need to receive money from you before showing you the item in person.

2. Buyer Scams

In a buyer scam, scammers pose as potential buyers who show interest in your listing but have no intention of paying. They may request your personal information, ask for unusual payment methods, or trick you into refunding money back to them.

How to Spot It: Be cautious if a buyer seems overly eager to complete the sale without asking detailed questions about the item. Requests for verification codes or personal information are also red flags. Be suspicious of buyers who wish to pay by personal check.

How to Avoid It: Do not share personal information or verification codes with anyone. Avoid accepting payments through unconventional methods, and always ensure you've first received the buyer's payment before handing over the item.

For example, your bank might initially honor or even clear a scammer's fake check, but once the institution has had time to inspect the document, it will cancel the transaction and withdraw the funds from your account, leaving you empty-handed.

3. Verification Code Scams

A scammer might contact you pretending to be interested in your listing. They will ask you to provide a verification code, claiming it's to confirm you are a real person. In reality, this is a phishing attempt.

Commonly, the scammer requests a verification code from Google, which arrives on the victim's phone. Once they provide the code to the scammer, the scammer completes Google Voice setup for the victim's phone number and gains access to their accounts or assumes their identity.

How to Spot It: If anyone asks you to provide a verification code for any reason — especially if it involves a Google Voice number or other services — it’s a red flag.

How to Avoid It: Never share verification codes with anyone. Legitimate buyers and sellers do not need this information.

4. Payment and Identity Theft Scams

Scammers may ask you to pay through unsecured methods or use your personal information to steal your identity. They might also send you links that appear to be payment portals but are phishing sites designed to steal your data.

How to Spot It: Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to leave Facebook Messenger to complete a transaction, such as someone who insists on being paid in crytocurrency or via a wire transfer. Scammers often direct victims to fake websites designed to mimic legitimate payment services.

How to Avoid It: Always use secure payment methods like PayPal that offer buyer protection. Do not click on links from unknown senders and avoid paying for items outside of Facebook Marketplace’s built-in tools.

How to Protect Yourself on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform for buying and selling items, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from scams and enjoy a safe online shopping experience.

Verify the buyer or seller identity. Ensure that the person you're dealing with has a legitimate account. Check their profile for signs of a real person, such as consistent posts, friends and online interactions.
Use secure payment methods. Always use secure payment methods that offer buyer and seller protection. Avoid using wire transfers, money orders or other nonsecure methods.
Meet in public places. When meeting a buyer or seller in person, choose a public place, preferably one with security cameras. Bring a friend along if possible.
Be cautious with personal information. Never share personal information, such as your address, phone number or email address. Scammers often use this information for identity theft.
Report suspicious activity. If you suspect you are dealing with a scammer, report the account to Facebook. Meta has tools in place to review and take action against fraudulent activities.
Educate yourself and others. Stay informed about the latest Facebook Marketplace scams and how to avoid them. Share this information with friends and family to help them stay safe online.
Take immediate action if you are scammed. If you do fall victim, follow the consumer advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect yourself and your belongings. Don't forget to take steps to report the scam or fraud to the FTC in an effort to keep others safe, too.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.