In an increasingly digitalized world, people seek the convenience of platforms like Facebook Marketplace. While it is a reasonably beneficial online marketplace, it is also a target for cybercriminals.
To avoid being scammed and keep yourself safe, we’ve covered some of the most common scams this year. Read on to discover the red flags and best practices for buying and selling to protect yourself from fraud.
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Identifying common scams on Facebook Marketplace in 2025
Facebook Marketplace is an app for buying and selling, which has proven to have a lot of participation from internet users.
Although it is a popular tool with multiple benefits, it has dangers. As happens in any market, fraud may arise from both sides.
In this context, knowing the methodologies most commonly used by cyber criminals is necessary. Therefore, we have dedicated ourselves to describing the most frequent frauds through this platform.
Damaged products
The seller may be use misleading advertising. The photographs may show an item in perfect condition, but when delivered, it is damaged.
This fraud is quite common, especially when it comes to electronic devices. Unfortunately, this type of scam is highly likely to happen at the hands of an unscrupulous seller.
Fake products in Facebook Marketplace
On the other hand, it may be a false publication. This type of fraud typically involves clothing, perfumes, jewelry, and cosmetics from well-known brands.
As with defective items, it is difficult to identify whether they are genuine or fake. Everyone is looking for a bargain, but be careful when something seems too good to be true—it is usually a scam.
Scams with Google Voice accounts
Cybercriminals take advantage of any opportunity to achieve their goals. One of the most common scams involves stealing through Google Voice accounts or creating one with the victim’s phone number.
In this order, the scammer can contact the seller showing interest in their products. Later, they try to take the conversation to other unmonitored applications, such as WhatsApp.
They also ask the seller to send “a code” that will arrive on their mobile phone to verify that the person is legitimate. Of course, we are talking about the verification code Google Voice offers.
Once the scammer obtains the code, they can create a new account linked to the phone number and carry out the theft.
Overpayments in Facebook Marketplace
The cybercriminal takes on the role of one Facebook Marketplace buyer. They contact the seller, saying they made the payment and sent extra money.
Likewise, they send a screenshot reflecting the supposed transaction and request that the remaining amount be returned.
No transaction was made. But if the seller falls for the scam, they will lose their money and the chance of getting a refund.
Purchases that don’t go through
Another common scam involves selling a product, receiving the money, and never delivering it to the recipient. This is often the case when products are shipped from locations far from the local area.
Fake Giveaways
Another method for obtaining victims’ data is sending emails offering supposed giveaways. In this context, victims click the link, fill out the form, and believe they are participating.
Typically, these are giveaways for luxury items, cars, and even cryptocurrencies. However, in reality, scammers only look for personal data to commit fraud and identity theft.
Supposed insurance scam
Some sellers, specifically those who sell high-cost products, are targeted by cyber scams. They may be contacted by supposed buyers willing to pay the cost of shipping the product.
Sometimes, the scammer sends fake invoices as proof. However, the real problem appears when they ask the seller to pay a certain amount for insurance.
Usually, it is an insignificant figure compared to the item’s value, which can persuade the seller to accept.
Misleading offers in Facebook Marketplace
Scammers have the habit of advertising the sale of a high-quality item for a tempting amount. When people want to get “the bargain,” they learn it’s out of stock. However, they offer a similar product at a higher price or show alternatives for less money.
Red flags and warning signs of a scam
As with other types of online scams, the key to not falling victim is to take caution and be on the alert. Therefore, we list some warning signs to recognize scams on Facebook Marketplace:
- “Suspicious” and low price for a highly demanded item. Be especially careful with ads for devices like cell phones, tablets, and video game consoles;
- When the other party does not agree to meet in person or allow you to review the item before making the sale, many sales are in local areas, so meeting should not be a problem;
- When the seller requests payment through eBay gift cards or another similar company, this is the most helpful method, since the scammer does not want to be paid in transfers and even less in cash;
- If the seller avoids communication via Facebook Messenger and directs you to another platform, such as WhatsApp, the scammer may offer you another website for the purchase;
- Suppose the email address is linked to fraud. It is best to check on Google to see if the email used by the seller is associated with fraud cases;
- If the seller offers the same product in different locations and states, the chances of a scam are high;
- Creative explanations as to why the price of the product is relatively low. They may offer elaborate stories to justify the bargain;
- They offer product shipping but do not want to use Facebook’s payment function. If a seller requests payment via a different method, it may be a scam and not covered by the purchase protection service;
- They ask for an identity verification code to be sent. This trick will only configure your phone number to a Google Voice account, so don’t share any code!
Depending on the case, these are all Facebook Marketplace red flags for buyers and sellers. We suggest you be vigilant before taking action using this tool.
Safe practices for buying and selling online in Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has specific “safe measures” to ensure user safety, including implementing compliance and review systems. It also uses tools to detect fraudulent actions.
Facebook also has a purchase protection system. This program allows buyers to request a refund for their products. They must use the platform’s payment and shipping system to do so.
So, the program will not cover those who prefer to search for their items alone. Likewise, they will lose any protection or guarantee if they agree to use other payment methods, such as PayPal or Venmo.
Some preventive measure
On the other hand, there are other proactive measures that you should put into practice to avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace:
- Do your research before making a purchase. It is recommended that you check the profile of the stores that the sellers have and verify their ratings, evaluations, and comments;
- Be careful with offers that are too attractive. Scammers often present products at a low price to attract their victims;
- Avoid communication outside of Facebook Messenger. The conversation history is helpful, mainly if a problem occurs later;
- Be careful with face-to-face “meetings.” If you meet someone to make payment for a product, you may expose yourself to robbery. Therefore, you should organize meetings in public and well-lit places;
- Do not trust sellers who request payment through gift cards. Generally, a scammer will ask you to use payment methods that are difficult to trace;
- Stay alert for fake notifications. You may receive emails notifying you of an error related to your payment. Therefore, they suggest you “click on a suspicious link.” Don’t do it! Instead, check your payment history;
- File a report. Stop communicating with the other party and report the scam if you notice any suspicious actions. The instructions for reporting fraud are on Facebook’s help.
It is necessary to adopt security measures and pay attention to all the signs that it may be a fraud. Staying informed about cybercriminals’ attack methodologies will prevent you from falling into their traps.
If you found this information interesting, we invite you to read this article from our Insiderbits blog: 20 Facebook Messenger tricks you didn’t know existed.
