Selling on Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to reach buyers quickly, but it also comes with risks. A survey reported by The Guardian found that 29% of Marketplace users had been scammed within just two years, often through fake buyers using payment tricks or fraudulent profiles, leaving sellers frustrated and sometimes out of pocket.
In this post, you’ll learn the most common FB Marketplace scam buyers, the warning signs that give them away, and the steps you can take to protect yourself. The goal is simple: help you sell with confidence and avoid becoming part of that statistic.
Need support after a scam? Join our community today.
What is an FB Marketplace Scam Buyer?
A Facebook Marketplace scam buyer is a fake buyer who pretends to be interested in your item but never plans to pay for it. Instead, they use scam tactics to steal money or goods, like:
- Sending fake payment confirmations
- Pressuring you to use unsafe methods like Zelle or gift cards
- Asking you to ship the item before receiving payment
Top 7 FB Marketplace Scam Buyer
Scam buyers show up in all kinds of ways, but many of their tricks follow the same patterns. Once you’re familiar with how these scams work, it becomes easier to spot warning signs before it’s too late. Here are seven of the most common ones:
1. The Overpayment Scam
A buyer offers to pay more than your asking price. They might claim the extra money is for shipping or an accidental over-transfer. Once you send the extra back, you later find out the original payment never got processed.
2. Fake Payment Confirmations
These buyers send fake bank transfer screenshots, emails that appear to come from PayPal or Zelle, or even SMS alerts. The goal is to trick you into shipping the item before realizing no funds were ever received.
3. Shipping Scam Requests
Some buyers ask you to ship the item immediately, promising that payment is “on the way” or that they have already sent it, but the money will never show up. Sometimes they even provide fake shipping labels to look professional. If you ship before confirming payment in your account, you risk losing both the product and the chance of recovery.
4. Chargeback and Refund Fraud
This scam happens when a buyer pays using a method that allows disputes, such as PayPal or a credit card. After receiving the product, they file a claim with their bank or the payment platform, saying they never got the item or that the charge was unauthorized. The platform often sides with the buyer, meaning you lose both the payment and the item.
5. Fake Profiles and Phishing Links
Scam buyers frequently use fake or stolen Facebook profiles with little activity, no real friends, or generic profile pictures. To look convincing, they may copy details from real people. Sometimes they also send you phishing links that look like Facebook or a payment site, asking you to log in to steal your account or financial information.
6. Gift Card Payment Scams
Instead of paying through secure methods, the scammer suggests using gift cards from Amazon, Google Play, or Apple, claiming it is faster or safer. Once you share the codes, the funds are gone instantly, and there is no way to recover them. Real buyers will never ask to pay with gift cards.
7. Fake Pickup Agents
Some scammers pretend they cannot come in person and will send a courier or agent to collect the item. They may even say they will pay for shipping or insurance, but ask you to cover the fees upfront. Once you transfer money for these supposed costs, they disappear. No courier arrives, and you are left paying for a service that never existed.
Have questions about dealing with scams? Contact us for support.
What to Do to Stay Safe on Facebook Marketplace
The best way to deal with scam buyers is to stay one step ahead from the beginning. Simple habits like being careful with payments, how you ship items, and keeping your account secure can make it much harder for scammers to mess with you.
These small steps go a long way in keeping your sales organized and safe:
1. Safe Payment Methods To Use
Whenever possible, stick to cash for in-person deals or use Facebook’s own Checkout system, which offers purchase protection. Avoid payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or services that do not provide seller protection. If a buyer refuses secure options, treat it as a warning sign and end the conversation.
2. When and When Not To Ship Items
Shipping is one of the riskiest parts of selling on Facebook Marketplace. Only ship an item after the payment is confirmed directly in your account, not just from a screenshot. Use tracked delivery services so you have proof if a buyer later disputes the purchase. If a buyer pressures you to ship immediately, it is almost always a scam scheme.
3. Protect Your Marketplace Account
Protecting your account is just as important as receiving payments. Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication. Be cautious with links sent through chat, since many phishing scams start this way. Regularly review your active sessions in Facebook settings and log out of devices you do not recognize.
Recent Cases That Show How FB Marketplace Scam Buyers Operate
Scam buyers aren’t just some distant threat; they’re active, bold, and getting more creative every day. In recent months, a few real cases have made headlines, showing just how far these scammers will go.
1. Man Uses Fake Check to Buy Car, Then Resells and Steals It via Facebook Marketplace
A man in Jackson, Mississippi, is now facing multiple felony charges after orchestrating a complex auto fraud scheme using Facebook Marketplace.
The Scheme
- On March 12, 2025, 37-year-old Kendrick Stubbs allegedly purchased a 2024 Honda Accord from a seller by presenting a counterfeit check for US $19,000.
- The next day, March 13, Stubbs listed the same car on Facebook Marketplace and sold it again for $8,500 to a second buyer.
- After the sale, Stubbs followed the second buyer home and stole back the vehicle.
Charges & Legal Actions
- Stubbs faces charges including auto theft, pretenses, and embezzlement of an automobile.
- He later turned himself in to the police and was granted a bond set at $30,000.
Context & Warnings
- Local authorities revealed that in the past year, they have investigated over 20 similar Facebook scams involving high-value vehicles, boats, trucks, and ATVs.
- Police issued safety tips for marketplace users:
• Meet in well-lit, public places, ideally at police stations.
• Don’t accept payment methods without verification.
• If accepting a check, confirm its authenticity with the bank.
• Always inspect the vehicle and verify the seller’s identity before completing a deal.
2. Police in Ottawa Warn: Sellers on Facebook Marketplace Are Being Targeted by “Hot Fraud”
Ottawa law enforcement is alerting the public to an emerging scam trend: criminals are currently targeting sellers, not just buyers, on Facebook Marketplace.
The Scheme
- Fraudsters identify themselves as buyers and meet sellers in conversation about listings.
- They ask that the seller send a payment link or submit banking information to “secure the sale”.
- When the seller shares their information, criminals use that access to withdraw funds or exploit accounts.
Dangerous Consequences
- Because the fraud comes from the buyer’s side, sellers often don’t suspect until after damage is done.
- The scam looks legitimate at first, with an interested buyer making normal calls.
Context & Warnings
- Keep all transaction steps within Facebook Marketplace’s official systems.
- Avoid sending banking information or following external payment requests.
- Verify the buyer’s identity (e.g., through confirmed social profiles or a video call) before proceeding.
Face scam buyers smarter with Cryptoscam Defense Network
Selling online always includes some level of risk, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel powerless. The more you understand how scam buyers think, the less likely they are to stick with you.
That is exactly why Cryptoscam Defense Network exists: we believe no one should face scams alone. Our work is about creating a safe space for victims, offering simple guidance and useful tools to report scams. We give you the confidence to protect yourself and the opportunity to help others by reporting scams and sharing experiences.
✅ Download our Fraud Report Toolkit to easily collect, organize, and report scam cases, with dropdowns for scam types, payment methods, platforms, and direct links to agencies like the FTC, FBI IC3, CFPB, BBB, and more.
We Want to Hear From You!
Fraud recovery is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our community is here to help you share, learn, and protect yourself from future fraud.
Why Join Us?
- Community support: Share your experiences with people who understand.
- Useful resources: Learn from our tools and guides to prevent fraud.
- Safe space: A welcoming place to share your story and receive support.
Find the help you need. Join our Facebook group or contact us directly.
Be a part of the change. Your story matters.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs) About FB Marketplace Scam Buyers
What Should I Do If A Scam Buyer Threatens Me?
Stay calm and never share personal details under pressure. Block the account immediately and report the conversation to Facebook. If the threat feels serious, contact local authorities and provide them with screenshots of the messages.
How To Report A Scam Buyer On Facebook?
Once you are sure the buyer is suspicious, use Facebook’s built-in reporting tools.
- Open the buyer’s profile from your Marketplace chat or the conversation thread.
- Tap or click the three dots on their profile.
- Select “Find support or report.”
- Choose the most accurate reason, such as “Scam” or “Fake account.”
- Add any details if prompted, then submit the report.
- Block the buyer so they cannot contact you again.
- Save screenshots of the conversation and any “payment” messages as evidence.
Can Facebook Refund Me If I Get Scammed By A Buyer?
In most cases, Facebook Purchase Protection only covers buyers, not sellers. If you lose money to a scam buyer, Facebook is unlikely to issue a refund. Your best chance is contacting your bank or payment provider as soon as possible
Photos via Freepik.