MEDIUM RISK
Marketplace Scam
Scams on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and similar platforms — fake listings, payment fraud, and counterfeit goods.
Losses: Part of $770 million in shopping scam losses (2024)
Targets: Buyers and sellers on peer-to-peer platforms
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Facebook Marketplace Scam • Craigslist Scam • P2P Selling Scam
1How It Works
Marketplaces enable several types of scams:
**As a Buyer:**
- Item doesn't exist — seller takes payment, never ships
- Item is counterfeit or not as described
- Meet for local pickup, seller no-shows after payment
**As a Seller:**
- Buyer sends fake payment confirmation
- Overpayment with check, asks for difference back
- Buyer claims item not received, disputes payment
- Zelle/Venmo scam — buyer "accidentally" sends too much
**Common tactics:**
- Seller insists on gift cards or wire transfer
- Buyer wants to use a "shipping company" that requires fee
- Creating urgency ("I need it for my daughter's birthday tomorrow!")
How Scammers Make Contact
Facebook MarketplaceCraigslistOfferUpLetgo
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- Price significantly below market value
- Seller won't meet locally for expensive items
- Buyer/seller wants to communicate off-platform
- Payment through unusual methods (wire, gift cards)
- Check payment for more than asking price
- Sob story creating urgency
- New account with no history or reviews
- Stock photos instead of actual item photos
3Real-World Example
"I was selling a laptop on Facebook Marketplace for $400. A buyer sent me a Zelle screenshot showing $400 payment. I shipped the laptop. The screenshot was fake — no money ever came. I lost the laptop and got nothing."
— Facebook Community Standards Report
4How to Protect Yourself
- Meet in person for local transactions — in public, safe locations
- Use platform's payment system when available
- Never accept checks or overpayment
- Don't ship items before payment clears
- Inspect items before paying cash
- Verify buyer's payment in your account (not just screenshot)
- Be cautious of too-good deals
- Keep communication on platform for records
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Report the user to the marketplace platform
- 2Dispute charges with your payment method
- 3File a police report if significant amount
- 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 5Leave warnings on scam databases
- 6If you sent Zelle/Venmo, contact your bank
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marketplace Scam?
Scams on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and similar platforms — fake listings, payment fraud, and counterfeit goods. Marketplaces enable several types of scams:
**As a Buyer:**
- Item doesn't exist — seller takes payment, never ships
- Item is counterfeit or not as described
- Meet for local pickup, seller no-shows after payment
**As a Seller:**
- Buyer sends fake payment confirmation
- Overpayment with check, a...
How common is this type of scam?
Marketplace Scam is classified as a medium risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $770 million in shopping scam losses (2024). This primarily targets Buyers and sellers on peer-to-peer platforms.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
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