Facebook Marketplace scam checker
Marketplace chats are used for fake-payment and shipping scams. Check a message below before you ship or pay.
Check message privately
Runs in your browser. No login. Message not stored.
Message checked
You can edit it and run the check again.
Your result will appear here
Paste a message and choose Check message to see your safety guidance.
- A calm risk level
- Red flags found
- Safe next steps
- Official reporting links
- A family-safe summary
Your pasted message is not shown in shared or printed summaries.
Common Facebook Marketplace scams
- Fake "payment sent" confirmation screenshots
- Buyers who overpay and ask for a refund
- Requests to move to an external payment link
- Sellers who ask for a deposit before you see the item
Red flags on Facebook Marketplace
- Pressure to ship before payment clears
- Requests to use gift cards or wire transfers
- Links to fake courier or payment pages
- Refusal to use the platform's official checkout
Safety tips
- Only use the platform's official payment and checkout.
- Confirm money is truly in your account, not just a screenshot.
- Meet locally and in safe public places where possible.
- Report suspicious buyers and sellers to the platform.
Related scam types
Facebook Marketplace scamScams on Facebook Marketplace target both buyers and sellers using fake payments, verification-code tricks, and off-platform deals.Marketplace buyer scamA scammer poses as a buyer to trick a seller into shipping goods or refunding an 'overpayment' before any real payment clears.Marketplace seller scamA scammer posts an attractive listing, takes payment outside the platform, and never delivers.Fake payment confirmation scamA scammer sends a forged payment receipt or email so you believe you have been paid.
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Glossary terms
Emergency guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Facebook Marketplace message for scams?
Paste the Facebook Marketplace message into the checker on this page. It runs in your browser and shows the red flags, what the message is likely trying to do, and safe next steps.
Is it safe to paste a Facebook Marketplace message here?
Yes. The message is analysed on your device and is not stored or sent to a server by default. Sensitive details are masked before analysis.