Facebook Marketplace scams
Marketplace scams include fake buyers/sellers, 'courier' fees, overpayment tricks, and Zelle/verification-code ploys that move you off-platform.
Want to check a specific Facebook Marketplace message? Use the Facebook Marketplace scam checker →
How scams appear on Facebook Marketplace
Marketplace scams adapt to which side you are on. A 'buyer' sends a faked payment screenshot or claims to have overpaid and asks for the difference back; a 'seller' takes payment for goods that never ship. Many introduce a 'courier' who needs a small fee, or ask you to confirm a texted code to 'prove you're real', which is really a login code. The constant is pressure to move off-platform, away from its protections.
Common Facebook Marketplace scam examples
Sanitised examples - placeholders only, never real links or data.
Example only: I'll send a courier - just pay the small shipping fee first.
Example only: To prove you're real, send the code I just texted you: [code removed]
Red flags on Facebook Marketplace
- A push to pay or chat outside the platform
- An overpayment with a request to refund the difference
- A 'courier' or 'escrow' link to release payment
- A buyer/seller who rushes or avoids meeting
How to verify safely
- Keep all payment and chat inside the official platform.
- Never accept overpayments or send refunds to strangers.
- Be wary of 'couriers' that need a fee or card details.
How to report inside Facebook Marketplace
- Use Marketplace's report option on the listing or buyer/seller.
- Keep payment and chat on-platform; meet in safe public places.
- Never share codes or accept overpayment refunds.
How to protect your Facebook Marketplace account
- Use the platform's protected checkout and messaging.
- Don't share bank details, OTPs, or card numbers in chat.
- Report and block users who push you off-platform.
Related Facebook Marketplace scam messages you can check
- Is this fake payment screenshot (marketplace) a scam?
- Is this Facebook Marketplace courier scam a scam?
- Is this buyer sends courier pickup scam a scam?
- Is this overpayment refund scam a scam?
- Is this fake escrow marketplace scam a scam?
- Is this fake ticket resale message a scam?
- Is this pet adoption deposit scam a scam?
- Is this used car deposit scam a scam?
- Is this fake car shipping fee scam a scam?
- Is this fake item hold deposit scam a scam?
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Glossary terms
Emergency guides
Got a message like this?
Check it to see the specific red flags and what to do next.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a Facebook Marketplace message is a scam?
Check it against the red flags above and verify through the official app or website you open yourself. When in doubt, don't click, pay, or share codes.
How do I report a scam on Facebook Marketplace?
Use Marketplace's report option on the listing or buyer/seller.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15.