Facebook Marketplace scam

A buyer or seller who is keen, in a hurry, and never quite meets you.

How it works

Sellers list items they do not own at prices just low enough to feel like luck, then ask for a deposit by Zelle, Cash App or bank transfer to 'hold' it. Buyers run the reverse: they send a fake payment screenshot, overpay and ask for the difference back, or insist on sending a 'code' to verify you are real. All of it depends on moving off the platform where there is no protection and no refund.

Red flags

Pressure to pay a deposit before seeing the item
Payment only by Zelle, Cash App, Venmo friends-and-family or gift card
A brand new profile, or one with no local history
Anyone who asks you to send or read out a verification code

Real-world example

"Sorry, I have three people interested. Send $80 on Zelle now and I will take the listing down and hold it for you until tomorrow."

What to do

01Pay in person, in cash or with a protected method, when you have the item in hand.
02Never send a deposit for something you have not seen.
03Refuse every request for a verification code — that is a Google Voice takeover.
04Meet at a police-designated exchange spot in daylight.

Related scams

Zelle and bank transfer scam

You're told to send money to yourself to 'reverse' a fraudulent payment.

Google Voice verification code scam

A 'buyer' wants a code to prove you're a real seller.

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