Selling on Facebook Marketplace? Beware of These Scams!

Facebook Marketplace is one of the easiest ways to sell items online, but it’s also a goldmine for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting sellers. From fake payment confirmations to overpayment tricks, fraudsters have endless ways to steal your money, personal info, or even your item without paying for it.

If you’re planning to sell electronics, furniture, collectibles, or anything else, you need to understand the risks before listing your item. This guide will cover:

• The most common Facebook Marketplace scams targeting sellers
• How to identify red flags before it’s too late
• Essential tips for protecting yourself from scammers

Let’s make sure your next Marketplace sale is safe, secure, and scam-free.

The Most Common Facebook Marketplace Scams Targeting Sellers

Scammers are constantly coming up with new tricks, but the most common scams on Facebook Marketplace tend to fall into a few major categories.

1. Fake Payment Scams

This is one of the most common scams, where the buyer pretends to send you money but never actually does.

How the Scam Works

• The scammer claims they sent payment via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App.
• They send a fake confirmation email that looks legitimate.
• You ship or hand over the item, only to realize no money was ever deposited into your account.

Red Flags
They send a screenshot of a payment instead of real confirmation.
You receive a suspicious email from PayPal or Zelle (often with typos or weird formatting).
The email asks you to ship the item before the payment “clears.”

How to Avoid It

• Log into your actual payment account (PayPal, Zelle, Venmo) to confirm the money is there.
• Never ship an item until you see the funds in your bank account.
• Avoid buyers who insist on using a specific payment method you’re unfamiliar with.

2. Overpayment Scam (Fake Refund Request)

This is a classic scam where a buyer claims they “accidentally” sent too much money and asks for a refund.

How the Scam Works

• The scammer sends a fake payment notification claiming they overpaid.
• They ask you to refund the excess amount, often via gift cards or wire transfer.
• Later, their original payment turns out to be fake or fraudulent, and you lose the money.

Red Flags
Buyer “accidentally” pays too much and asks for a refund.
They want you to send money back through a different payment method.
They insist that you act quickly before their bank notices the error.

How to Avoid It

• Only accept the exact amount you agreed on—nothing more.
• Never refund a buyer through a different payment method than they used.
• If someone claims they overpaid, cancel the transaction and start over.

3. Fake Shipping Label Scam

Scammers love targeting sellers who ship items. Instead of paying for shipping themselves, they send you a fake prepaid label—so they can steal your item without paying for it.

How the Scam Works

• The buyer claims they’ll pay extra if you ship the item.
• They send you a prepaid shipping label that looks legitimate.
• Once you ship the item, they cancel or reroute the label, so the package never reaches them.
• You’re left without your item and without payment.

Red Flags
Buyer insists on using their own prepaid shipping label.
They pressure you to ship quickly before payment clears.
The address seems suspicious or untraceable.

How to Avoid It

• Always use your own shipping method and track the package yourself.
• Confirm the buyer’s payment has cleared before shipping.
• Be wary of buyers who seem overly eager to rush the shipping process.

4. Fake “Security Code” or “Verification” Scam

This is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information.

How the Scam Works

• The buyer claims they need to “verify” your identity before sending payment.
• They ask you to send them a security code that you receive via text.
• The text is actually from a legitimate verification system (Google, PayPal, etc.).
• If you send them the code, they gain access to your accounts.

Red Flags
Buyer asks you to confirm a security code before they pay.
They claim this is a “new Facebook Marketplace rule.”
The message seems poorly written or overly urgent.

How to Avoid It

• Never share security codes or two-factor authentication codes with anyone.
• Report the buyer to Facebook and block them immediately.
• Legitimate buyers don’t need to “verify” your identity.

How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Marketplace Scams

Selling on Facebook Marketplace can be safe if you take the right precautions. Here’s how to stay protected:

Meet in a Safe Location

Whenever possible, meet buyers in-person in a well-lit, public place like:

• A police station parking lot (many have designated safe zones).
• A busy shopping center or coffee shop.
• Never invite strangers to your home.

Only Accept Secure Payment Methods

Best options	Cash, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal (Goods and Services option).
Avoid	Gift cards, wire transfers, personal checks.

In addition to all of this, never ship an item before confirming payment.

Trust Your Instincts and Spot Red Flags

• If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
• Scammers rush transactions—real buyers are patient.
• Avoid buyers who ask too many personal questions.

A Safer Alternative to Selling Electronics on Facebook Marketplace

If you’re selling phones, tablets, or laptops, dealing with Facebook Marketplace scammers isn’t worth the risk. Instead of worrying about fake buyers, payment scams, or stolen devices, BuckUp offers a safe and instant way to sell your electronics.

• Get an instant cash offer for your phone—no haggling or scams.
• No dealing with strangers or meeting buyers in public.
• Fast and easy payment—without risk of fraud.

Skip the scams and sell safely at GoBuckUp.com.

Sell Safely on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to sell your stuff, but scammers are everywhere. By staying alert, recognizing red flags, and using safe payment methods, you can avoid getting ripped off.

Best Practices Recap

• Meet in person when possible.
• Only accept cash or secure payment methods.
• Watch out for fake payments, overpayment scams, and security code tricks.
• Consider safer alternatives like BuckUp for selling electronics.

If a buyer seems suspicious, trust your gut—block them and move on.

Citations

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): How to Avoid Online Selling Scams
• Facebook Marketplace Safety Guidelines: Facebook.com/marketplace
• Consumer Reports: Best Practices for Online Selling