Facebook Marketplace Scams 2026: How to Spot and Avoid the 12 Most Common Scams

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the largest peer-to-peer selling platforms in the world. With over a billion monthly users, it’s a goldmine for finding deals on everything from furniture to electronics to designer goods. But where there’s money changing hands, there are scammers looking to exploit the system.

In 2026, Marketplace scams have become more sophisticated than ever. The old “Nigerian prince” approach has evolved into convincing fake payment screenshots, elaborate overpayment schemes, and social engineering tactics that can fool even experienced buyers and sellers.

The numbers are alarming: According to the Federal Trade Commission, social media marketplaces saw a 38% increase in reported fraud cases between 2024 and 2025, with Facebook Marketplace accounting for the largest share. The average loss per victim? Over $800—and that’s just among people who actually reported being scammed.

Whether you’re a casual seller clearing out your garage or a serious reseller flipping items for profit, understanding these scams is essential. This guide covers the 12 most common Facebook Marketplace scams in 2026, how to spot them, and exactly what to do to protect yourself.

Let’s make sure you’re never the victim.

Part 1: Buyer Scams (When You’re the Seller)

These are scams where someone pretending to be a buyer targets you while you’re trying to sell an item. They can be devastatingly effective because as a seller, you’re eager to close the deal.

Scam #1: Fake Payment Confirmations (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App Screenshots)

How it works:

You list an item for $300. A buyer messages saying they want to purchase it and will pay via Zelle or Venmo. They ask for your email or phone number to send the payment.

Minutes later, they send you a screenshot showing a successful payment to your account—complete with your name, the exact amount, and a confirmation number.

“Payment sent! Here’s the confirmation. Can I pick up the item now?”

Here’s the problem: the screenshot is fake. They’ve edited it in Photoshop, Canva, or one of dozens of fake payment generator apps that exist specifically for this purpose. Some scammers have even created fake payment notification emails that look nearly identical to real ones.

If you hand over the item based on this fake “proof,” you’ve just given away your merchandise for free. By the time you check your actual account and realize no payment arrived, the scammer is long gone.

How to spot it:

• Always check your actual account. Log into your Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App directly—don’t rely on screenshots or email notifications. If the money isn’t there, it wasn’t sent.
• Be suspicious of urgency. Scammers want you to act before you can verify. Any buyer pushing you to hand over the item immediately is a red flag.
• Look for editing artifacts. Fake screenshots often have slightly off fonts, misaligned text, or inconsistent formatting. But don’t rely on this alone—some fakes are extremely convincing.
• Watch for “pending” excuses. If they claim the payment is “processing” or “will show up in 2-3 hours,” that’s almost certainly a scam. Zelle payments are instant.

Prevention:

• Never release an item until you’ve verified payment in your actual account.
• For local pickups, cash is still king. Accept digital payments only if you can confirm receipt on-the-spot.
• If someone claims they’ve sent payment but you don’t see it, wait at least 24 hours and insist on meeting in person to verify before exchanging goods.

Warning: In 2026, some scammers are using fake email addresses that look like official Zelle/Venmo notifications (e.g., “noreply@zelle-confirm.com”). Always verify the sender’s email domain carefully.

Scam #2: The Overpayment Scam

How it works:

You’re selling a couch for $400. A buyer contacts you saying they’re interested but can’t pick it up personally. They offer to send a cashier’s check or money order for $700—$400 for the couch plus $300 “for the movers” who will collect it.

They ask you to deposit the check, then send the extra $300 to the “moving company” via Cash App, Venmo, or wire transfer.

The catch? The cashier’s check is fraudulent. It may initially clear your bank (because banks often make funds available before fully verifying checks), but days or weeks later, the check bounces. Your bank reverses the deposit—but the $300 you already sent to the “movers” is gone forever.

You’re out both the $300 and potentially the item if you already handed it over.

How to spot it:

• Any “overpayment” is a scam. No legitimate buyer accidentally sends too much money and asks you to send back the difference.
• Anything involving cashier’s checks, money orders, or wire transfers from an online stranger is suspicious. These are the scammer’s tools of choice because they’re hard to reverse.
• Third-party pick-ups with complicated payment arrangements are red flags. Real buyers figure out their own logistics.
• Out-of-area buyers for local items. If someone from 500 miles away wants your $400 couch and is willing to “arrange shipping,” be suspicious.

Prevention:

• Never accept overpayment. If someone sends you more than the agreed price, cancel the transaction entirely.
• Don’t accept cashier’s checks, money orders, or certified checks from people you meet online.
• Wait at least 2-3 weeks for checks to fully clear before considering any transaction complete.
• Insist on local, in-person transactions for large items.

Scam #3: The “Shipping” Request for Local Items

How it works:

You list a TV as “local pickup only” in your city. A buyer messages expressing interest, then asks: “Can you ship it? I’ll pay extra for shipping costs.”

They might offer to send payment via an unusual method, ask you to use a specific “company account” for shipping, or claim they’ll send a prepaid label.

The goal varies, but common outcomes include:

1. They send a fake payment (see Scam #1) and you ship the item, losing it entirely.
2. They send you a “prepaid shipping label” that’s fraudulent, and the package gets returned or held while they claim refunds through their payment method.
3. They use a stolen credit card to “pay” for shipping, and the charge is later reversed after you’ve shipped.

How to spot it:

• Insistence on shipping when you’ve specified local pickup. Why would someone pay shipping for a $50 coffee table when they could buy one locally?
• Offers to pay above asking price to cover shipping. This is often overpayment scam territory.
• Requests to use specific shipping companies you’ve never heard of or to use “their” prepaid labels. Legitimate buyers let you choose your own shipping method.
• Buyers who refuse to meet in person for items clearly suited to local sale.

Prevention:

• If you list as local pickup only, stick to it. Don’t be swayed by offers to pay extra for shipping unless you’re equipped to handle it safely.
• If you do agree to ship, use your own shipping account and packaging. Never use prepaid labels from buyers.
• Never ship until payment has fully cleared in your verified account.
• For high-value items, require signature confirmation and insurance.

Scam #4: The Bait and Switch Buyer

How it works:

You sell an item in good condition. The buyer picks it up, inspects it, and leaves happy. A few hours or days later, they message claiming the item is “broken,” “not as described,” or “damaged.”

They demand a full or partial refund, threatening to report you to Facebook or leave negative reviews. They may send photos of a damaged item—but it’s not your item. They’ve swapped it with a broken version they already had, or they’ve intentionally damaged it after purchase.

Some variations include buyers who claim items not included were supposed to be included (“You said it came with the charger!”), or that the item was missing parts you clearly disclosed wasn’t there.

How to spot it:

• Excessive inspection at pickup followed by delayed “problems.” If they checked everything thoroughly and said it was fine, sudden issues later are suspicious.
• Buyers who won’t return the item for inspection. They want a refund but won’t let you verify their claims.
• New or empty Facebook profiles. Scammers often use throwaway accounts.
• Claims that don’t match your photos or description. If you documented the item’s condition and they’re claiming otherwise, they may be lying.

Prevention:

• Photograph and video everything. Before any sale, take detailed photos and videos showing the item’s condition, serial numbers, and any accessories included. Store these with timestamps.
• Use Facebook Messenger for all communication. Keep a clear written record of what was discussed and agreed upon.
• Be specific in your listing. Include “Sold as-is” and list exactly what is/isn’t included. Screenshot your own listing.
• All sales are final. State this clearly in your listing and confirm it at pickup. While you can choose to accept returns, making clear that sales are final discourages this scam.
• Consider meeting buyers at police station safe zones. Some scammers avoid traceable locations.

Scam #5: The Verification Code Scam (Google Voice)

How it works:

A buyer messages you about your listing. They seem interested and legitimate. Then they say something like:

“Hey, I just want to make sure you’re a real person. Can I send you a verification code to prove you’re not a bot? Just tell me the code when you get it.”

They ask for your phone number and send a Google Voice verification code to it. When you give them the code, they use it to create a Google Voice number linked to your real phone number.

Now they have a phone number that appears to be “verified” and traced back to you, which they can use for future scams—targeting other victims while making it look like you’re the scammer. If law enforcement investigates, the trail leads to you.

How to spot it:

• Anyone asking you to verify your identity by sharing a code is scamming you. Legitimate buyers don’t need to verify you’re real—your Marketplace profile and listing do that.
• Requests for codes from Google, WhatsApp, or any other service. You should never share verification codes with anyone, ever.
• Overly chatty “buyers” who want to build rapport before making unusual requests.

Prevention:

• Never share verification codes, confirmation codes, or PINs with anyone for any reason.
• If someone claims to need verification, end the conversation. This is never legitimate.
• Report these accounts to Facebook immediately.

Scam #6: “My Assistant Will Pick Up”

How it works:

A buyer agrees to purchase your item. Then they message: “I’m busy at work, but my assistant/driver/friend will pick it up. I’ll send payment via Zelle now.”

The “assistant” arrives before you can verify payment. They may pressure you to hand over the item quickly: “My boss already paid, they’re waiting for me, I have another pickup across town.”

If you hand over the item, you discover no payment actually arrived. The buyer stops responding. The “assistant” was in on it, or they were just a random person given an address and told to pick something up (believing they were legitimately collecting an item their boss purchased).

How to spot it:

• Any situation where the person picking up is different from the person paying. This creates a gap that scammers exploit.
• Pressure to release the item before verifying payment. The “assistant” claims a tight schedule or that their boss confirmed everything.
• Payment sent “right before” the assistant arrives. Timed so you don’t have a chance to verify before they’re at your door.

Prevention:

• Only the person who pays should pick up the item. If they can’t pick it up themselves, they can wait until payment is verified.
• Explain upfront: “I’ll hold the item until I confirm payment in my account. Your assistant is welcome to wait, or they can come back once I’ve verified.”
• Never feel pressured to hand something over without confirmation. A real buyer will understand.

Part 2: Seller Scams (When You’re the Buyer)

Now let’s switch sides. These are scams where sellers target you while you’re trying to buy something.

Scam #7: Counterfeit Designer Items

How it works:

You find a great deal on a Louis Vuitton bag, a pair of Yeezy sneakers, or a Rolex watch. The price is good—maybe 50-60% of retail—but the seller has a reasonable explanation: “It was a gift I never used” or “Bought it for my ex, we broke up.”

You purchase it, and later discover it’s a counterfeit. Maybe the stitching is wrong, the materials feel cheap, or an authentication service confirms it’s fake. By then, the seller has disappeared or denies everything.

How to spot counterfeits:

• Price is too good to be true. Nobody sells an authentic $3,000 bag in perfect condition for $500 unless something is wrong.
• Seller can’t provide proof of purchase. Receipts, order confirmations, or box/dust bag that came with authentic purchases.
• Photos are suspiciously high-quality or look like stock images. Ask for photos of specific details you request.
• Examine authentication tells. Every brand has specific markers. Louis Vuitton has date codes; Nike has tongue tags with specific formatting; Rolex has hologram stickers and specific case back engravings.

Prevention:

• Learn to authenticate brands you’re buying. Check out our Complete Guide to Authenticating Designer Items for detailed brand-by-brand authentication guides.
• Request additional photos. Ask for close-ups of labels, tags, serial numbers, and stitching.
• Use authentication services. For high-value items, services like Entrupy, Real Authentication, or Legit Check can verify authenticity before you buy.
• Meet in person and inspect carefully. Never buy high-value designer items sight unseen on Marketplace.
• Ask questions the seller should know. “Where did you purchase this?” “Do you have the original receipt?” “What size is the dust bag?” Scammers often have vague answers or no documentation.

Scam #8: Stolen Goods

How it works:

Someone is selling a high-end laptop, multiple iPhones, or a stack of brand-new power tools at suspiciously good prices. They might have multiple quantities of the same item. The transaction goes smoothly, but weeks or months later, law enforcement shows up at your door.

The items were stolen. Now you’ve bought and possibly resold stolen property, which is illegal even if you didn’t know. You lose the item (which gets returned to its rightful owner), you lose your money, and you could face legal consequences.

Signs to watch for:

• Multiple quantities of the same new item. Why does someone have 5 identical unopened MacBooks?
• No original packaging, documentation, or receipts. Legitimate sellers usually have these.
• The seller can’t explain where items came from. “My company was throwing them out” or “I won them in a contest” for dozens of items is suspicious.
• Electronics that are locked, activation-locked, or have passwords. iPhones with Activation Lock still on are often stolen.
• Prices significantly below market value. A thief just wants to convert goods to cash quickly.
• Seller wants to meet in unusual locations or seems nervous. They may avoid well-lit public places.

Questions to ask:

• “Can I see proof of purchase?”
• “Is there a receipt or original packaging?”
• “Can you show me the device is not activation-locked?” (For Apple products)
• “Why are you selling so many of these?”

Prevention:

• Trust your instincts. If a deal seems sketchy, walk away. No savings is worth potential legal trouble.
• Verify electronics aren’t locked. For iPhones, check Settings > General > About for activation status. For MacBooks, restart and make sure there’s no firmware lock.
• Meet in safe, public locations. Police station safe zones are ideal.
• Keep records. Screenshot the listing, save your conversation, and photograph the item with the seller present. If it turns out to be stolen, this documentation shows you acted in good faith.

Scam #9: Phantom Listings (Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals)

How it works:

You find an incredible deal: a PS5 for $150, a MacBook Pro for $300, or a couch worth $2,000 listed at $400. You message immediately. The seller responds and asks you to pay via Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or cryptocurrency to “hold” the item.

“I have so many people interested. Send me $100 to hold it and you can pay the rest when you pick up.”

You send the deposit. Then… nothing. The seller stops responding. The listing disappears. Your money is gone, and there was never an actual item to begin with.

How to spot it:

• Prices that are absurdly below market value. Research what items actually sell for. If someone’s offering 70-80% off, ask yourself why.
• Unwillingness to meet in person. Real sellers with real items let you see them before paying.
• Requests for deposits or payments before you’ve seen the item. No legitimate local sale requires a deposit.
• Stock photos or photos that appear in multiple listings. Reverse image search suspicious photos.
• Brand new accounts with no history. Check the seller’s profile age and activity.

Prevention:

• Never pay anything until you’ve seen the item in person. Legitimate sellers understand this.
• Reverse image search listing photos. Use Google Images or TinEye to see if photos are stolen from elsewhere.
• Check the seller’s profile. How long have they been on Facebook? Do they have friends, photos, activity that looks real?
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Walk away from miracle deals.

Scam #10: Bait and Switch (Different Item Delivered)

How it works:

You arrange to buy a specific item based on the listing photos and description. When you meet the seller, the item is different—a lower-end model, a different color, worse condition, or outright wrong. The seller claims: “This is what I listed. Maybe you saw it wrong.”

Sometimes they’ve listed a newer version of a product but show up with an older one. Sometimes the photos showed a mint-condition item, but the actual item is scratched and worn. They’re betting you’ll feel awkward and just accept it anyway.

How to spot it:

• Confirm the exact model/specifications before meeting. “Just to confirm, this is the 256GB iPhone 14, right?”
• Screenshot the listing. If they change details or delete it, you have proof.
• Watch for vague descriptions. Listings that don’t specify model numbers, sizes, or conditions are easier to bait-and-switch.

Prevention:

• Screenshot the listing immediately when you express interest. Include all photos and the description.
• Confirm details in writing via Messenger. “Just confirming: this is the 2023 model in black, 256GB, no scratches, correct?”
• Inspect thoroughly before paying. Don’t feel pressured to complete a transaction if the item doesn’t match what was advertised.
• Walk away if something’s off. It’s okay to say “This isn’t what I expected based on the listing. I’m going to pass.”

Scam #11: Hidden Damage and Defects

How it works:

The seller lists an item as being in “excellent condition” or “like new.” Photos look great. But when you get the item home, you discover issues that weren’t disclosed: scratches on the bottom, a crack hidden by clever photography angles, missing screws, battery that doesn’t hold a charge, stains on the back.

The seller conveniently omitted these problems, photographed strategically to hide them, or downplayed them as “minor wear.”

How to spot it:

• Photos don’t show all angles. If they only show the front and not the back or bottom, why?
• Vague descriptions about condition. “Normal wear” could mean anything.
• Seller avoids questions about condition. When you ask “Any scratches or damage?” they give non-specific answers.
• Photos that look too perfect. Sometimes scammers use old photos from when the item was in better condition.

Questions to ask:

• “Can you send me additional photos of [specific areas]?”
• “Are there any scratches, dents, stains, or defects I should know about?”
• “Does everything work properly?”
• “Why are you selling this?”

Prevention:

• Request photos of all sides, close-ups of any wear areas. A legitimate seller has no problem doing this.
• Ask direct questions about condition. Get their answers in writing via Messenger.
• Inspect thoroughly in good lighting. Don’t rush the inspection. Bring a flashlight for dark items or meeting spots.
• Test everything before paying. Electronics should be powered on, zippers should work, moving parts should move.
• Meet during daylight in a well-lit location. Damage is easier to miss in poor lighting.

Scam #12: Electronics That Don’t Work

How it works:

You buy a laptop, game console, camera, or other electronic device. The seller shows you it turns on. You pay and leave. When you get home and actually try to use it, you discover it’s broken—it overheats and shuts down, the battery dies in 20 minutes, certain keys don’t work, or the screen has dead pixels only visible when displaying certain colors.

The seller may have known about these issues and demonstrated the device in a way that hid them.

How to spot it:

• Seller rushing the demonstration. “Yeah, it turns on, see? Works great.”
• Device only shown briefly or not at all. “I don’t have a charger here, but trust me, it works.”
• Seller has a quick explanation for everything. “Oh, games are at my other place” or “I just factory reset it so I can’t test that feature.”

The testing protocol for electronics:

Smartphones and tablets:

• Turn on and verify no activation lock
• Check all physical buttons
• Test touchscreen responsiveness across the entire screen
• Make a test call if it’s a phone
• Connect to WiFi
• Check battery health (Settings > Battery on iPhones)
• Look for screen burn-in on OLED displays
• Check cameras front and back

Laptops:

• Turn on and boot fully
• Test keyboard (type a pangram like “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”)
• Test trackpad
• Check all ports
• Verify battery holds charge (ask to see battery cycle count or battery health)
• Run for at least 10-15 minutes to check for overheating
• Test WiFi connection
• Check screen for dead pixels (use a solid white image)

Game consoles:

• Turn on and navigate menus
• Bring a game to test (or ask seller to have one available)
• Test controllers
• Verify it’s not banned from online services
• Check disc drive (if applicable)

Prevention:

• Allow time for a full test. Don’t let the seller rush you.
• Bring necessary accessories. If it uses batteries you have, chargers, games to test, headphones—bring them.
• Ask to meet somewhere with power outlets and WiFi. Coffee shops, libraries, or the seller’s home (in a public area) work well.
• If they refuse to let you test properly, walk away. A working device should pass any reasonable test.

Red Flags Checklist

Here’s a quick-reference list of warning signs. If you see multiple red flags, proceed with extreme caution or walk away entirely.

Profile Red Flags:

• Account created in the last 30 days
• No profile photo or a stock image
• No friends, posts, or activity history
• Unusual name format
• Refuses to communicate through Messenger (wants to text or use WhatsApp instead)

Listing Red Flags:

• Price significantly below market value
• Stock photos or photos that appear elsewhere online
• Vague description without specific details
• Missing key information (model, size, condition)
• “Selling for a friend” or similar stories

Communication Red Flags:

• Extreme urgency (“Must sell today!”)
• Pressure to send money before seeing item
• Requests for deposits or holds
• Asking for your phone number immediately
• Vague or evasive answers to direct questions
• Payment method switching (agrees to one method, then insists on another)
• Won’t meet in public places
• “My assistant/friend/driver will pick up/drop off”

Payment Red Flags:

• Insisting on unusual payment methods
• Overpayment followed by request for refund
• Sending screenshots of payment as “proof”
• Requesting gift cards or wire transfers
• Asking you to send them money for any reason

Safe Transaction Practices

Prevention is always better than dealing with a scam after the fact. Follow these practices for every transaction.

Safe Meeting Locations

Best choices:

• Police station parking lots (many have designated “internet exchange” zones)
• Bank parking lots during business hours
• Busy shopping center parking lots
• Coffee shops or fast food restaurants with security cameras

Avoid:

• Your home (stranger now knows where you live)
• The buyer’s/seller’s home (isolated, unfamiliar territory)
• Empty or secluded areas
• Anywhere at night that isn’t well-lit

Tips:

• Park where your license plate can’t be easily seen
• Bring a friend if possible
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back
• Trust your gut—if something feels wrong, leave

Safe Payment Methods

Best options for sellers:

• Cash (check bills carefully for counterfeits)
• Payment apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App) verified in your account before releasing item

Best options for buyers:

• Cash (ensures no payment can be reversed fraudulently)
• Payment apps (only after inspecting item)

Never accept or use:

• Personal checks (easy to fake, take weeks to bounce)
• Cashier’s checks from strangers (frequently counterfeited)
• Wire transfers (impossible to recover)
• Gift cards (untraceable, irreversible)
• Cryptocurrency (irreversible, hard to trace)

Documentation Best Practices

Before the sale:

• Screenshot the listing (photos and description)
• Screenshot all Messenger conversations
• Note the seller’s profile URL

During the sale:

• Photograph the item from all angles
• Video the item working (for electronics)
• Photograph the exchange (if comfortable)
• Get a simple receipt if possible (date, item, price, both signatures)

After the sale:

• Keep all documentation for at least 6 months
• Screenshot any post-sale communication
• Note any serial numbers you didn’t get before

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

It happened. Despite your best efforts, you got scammed. Here’s how to respond.

Immediate Steps

1. Document everything. Screenshot all conversations, the listing (if still up), and the scammer’s profile before they block you or delete anything.

2. Report to Facebook. Go to the listing or the person’s profile and click “Report.” Select “Scam” or “Fraud” as the reason. Facebook may not recover your money, but reporting helps prevent future victims.

3. File a police report. Yes, even for “small” amounts. This creates an official record, which you may need for payment disputes. Bring your documentation.

4. Dispute the payment. Contact your payment method immediately:

   • Credit card: Strong chargeback rights. Call your issuer and dispute the charge.
   • Debit card: Dispute with your bank, though protections are weaker than credit cards.
   • Zelle/Venmo/Cash App: These are much harder to dispute since they’re designed for trusted contacts, but report the fraud anyway. Some platforms have limited fraud protection.
   • PayPal: Use their Resolution Center. PayPal Goods & Services has buyer protection; PayPal Friends & Family does not.

5. Report to the FTC. File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track scam patterns.

Longer-Term Steps

• Monitor your accounts. If you shared any financial information, watch for unauthorized activity.
• Change passwords. If you clicked any suspicious links or shared any account information, secure your accounts.
• Warn others. Consider posting in local Facebook Groups to warn your community about the scammer.
• Learn from it. Every scam has warning signs in hindsight. Figure out what you’ll watch for next time.

Realistic Expectations

The hard truth: most Marketplace scam victims never recover their money. Local police often can’t (or won’t) pursue small-dollar fraud cases. Payment apps like Zelle and Venmo have limited fraud protection.

That’s why prevention is everything. The tips in this guide are meant to help you avoid ever being in this situation.

Facebook Marketplace Safety Features in 2026

Facebook has rolled out several safety features. Here’s what exists and what its limitations are.

What Facebook Offers

Buyer Protection (for shipped items only): If you use Facebook Checkout and pay through the platform for a shipped item, you may be eligible for purchase protection. This covers:

• Items not received
• Items arrived damaged
• Items don’t match description

Limitations: This only applies to shipped items paid through Facebook Checkout. Local cash transactions have NO protection.

Profile Verification: Verified badges show the account is linked to a confirmed phone number or ID. This provides some assurance the person is real, but it doesn’t mean they’re honest.

Reporting System: You can report scam listings, fake profiles, and fraudulent behavior. Facebook may remove listings and ban accounts.

Seller Ratings and Reviews: You can see ratings on seller profiles. But new scam accounts have no history, and some scammers cultivate good ratings before running scams.

What Facebook Doesn’t Protect

• Cash transactions
• Payment app (Zelle, Venmo) transactions
• Any local pickup/delivery without using Facebook Checkout
• Scams where you willingly handed over money or items

The bottom line: Facebook Marketplace is essentially a bulletin board. It connects buyers and sellers but offers minimal protection for the actual transaction. You are responsible for your own safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Facebook Marketplace safe to use in 2026?

Facebook Marketplace can be safe if you follow proper precautions. Millions of legitimate transactions happen every day. The platform itself isn’t inherently dangerous—the risks come from dealing with strangers. Use the safety practices outlined in this guide, trust your instincts, and you can buy and sell with minimal risk.

2. How do I know if a Facebook Marketplace seller is legit?

Check their profile age (older is generally better), look for a real profile photo, see if they have friends and normal post activity, read their ratings/reviews if available, and communicate through Messenger rather than switching to text or email. A legitimate seller should answer questions directly, provide additional photos when asked, and be willing to meet in a public place.

3. What’s the safest way to pay on Facebook Marketplace?

For buyers, cash is the safest for local pickups because you only pay after inspecting the item. For shipped items, use Facebook Checkout when available for buyer protection. Never send money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Payment apps like Zelle and Venmo are okay but offer limited fraud protection—only use them with sellers you’ve met and verified.

4. Can I get my money back if I’m scammed on Marketplace?

It depends on how you paid. Credit cards offer the best chargeback protection. PayPal Goods & Services has buyer protection. Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App have limited or no fraud protection since they’re designed for transactions between people who know each other. Cash transactions are essentially unrecoverable. File reports with all relevant parties (Facebook, your payment provider, police, FTC), but realistically, many scam victims never recover their money.

5. Should I give out my phone number on Facebook Marketplace?

Be cautious. Some buyers/sellers prefer texting, which is normal. However, sharing your number can expose you to verification code scams (like the Google Voice scam), spam, and unwanted contact. If possible, conduct all communication through Messenger where there’s a record. If you must share your number, never share any verification codes that get texted to you.

6. Why do scammers prefer Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App?

These apps were designed for sending money to friends and family—people you trust. They’re instant and generally irreversible. Unlike credit cards, which have consumer protection laws, these apps have limited ability (and legal requirement) to reverse fraudulent transactions. Once you send money through these apps, it’s essentially gone. That’s why scammers love them.

7. Are Facebook Marketplace scams illegal?

Yes. Fraud, theft, and selling stolen goods are crimes. However, enforcement is challenging. Many scams are for small amounts that don’t justify significant police resources. Scammers often use fake identities, making them hard to trace. Reports to police, the FTC, and Facebook still matter because they help build cases against repeat offenders and track scam patterns.

8. What should I do if someone asks for a verification code?

Never share it. This is almost certainly a scam, usually to set up a Google Voice number linked to your phone (which they can then use for further scams). You should never share verification codes with anyone, for any reason. These codes are for your use only. Report the person to Facebook immediately.

Related Resources

Want to learn more about buying and selling safely in 2026? Check out these resources:

• How to Authenticate Designer Items: Complete Guide — Protect yourself from counterfeit scams
• Facebook Marketplace Flipping Guide 2026 — Learn legitimate strategies for finding profitable deals
• 7 Signs You’re About to Overpay on Facebook Marketplace — Spot overpriced listings before you buy
• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Flipping — Start your reselling journey the right way
• eBay vs Mercari vs Poshmark Fee Calculator — Compare selling platforms for your items
• Free 2026 Reseller Playbook — Complete guide to profitable reselling

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Facebook Marketplace isn’t going anywhere. It’s too convenient, has too many users, and connects too many buyers and sellers to disappear. But as long as it exists, scammers will try to exploit it.

The good news: Armed with the knowledge in this guide, you’re already ahead of most users. You know the scams. You know the warning signs. You know how to protect yourself.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Bookmark this guide and reference it before any significant transaction.
2. Always verify payment in your actual account before releasing any item.
3. Meet in public, well-lit locations for every local transaction.
4. Trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away. There will be other deals.
5. Document everything. Screenshots and photos are your evidence if something goes wrong.

Marketplace buying and selling can be incredibly rewarding—whether you’re finding great deals on everyday items or building a profitable reselling business. Just stay vigilant, follow safe practices, and don’t let desperation override common sense.

Happy (and safe) selling.

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