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● MEDIUM RISK

Marketplace Scam

On Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and the like, the scam runs both ways — fake listings that take a deposit, buyers who "overpay" with bad checks, counterfeit goods, and a push to move off-platform. Keep it in person, in cash or platform-protected payment, and treat any nudge toward Zelle or gift cards as a stop sign.

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
01

How 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
02

Warning 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
03

Real-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
04

How 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
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Report the user to the marketplace platform
  2. 2Dispute charges with your payment method
  3. 3File a police report if significant amount
  4. 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  5. 5Leave warnings on scam databases
  6. 6If you sent Zelle/Venmo, contact your bank
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marketplace Scam?

On Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and the like, the scam runs both ways — fake listings that take a deposit, buyers who "overpay" with bad checks, counterfeit goods, and a push to move off-platform. Keep it in person, in cash or platform-protected payment, and treat any nudge toward Zelle or gift cards as a stop sign.

What are the warning signs of Marketplace Scam?

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.

How do I protect myself from Marketplace Scam?

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.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Marketplace Scam?

Report the user to the marketplace platform. Dispute charges with your payment method. File a police report if significant amount. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this a real but moderate risk. Reported losses: Part of $770 million in shopping scam losses (2024). Most exposed: 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, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Marketplace Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FTC: Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams
  2. 02FBI: Marketplace Scams
Related Scams

Fake Online Store

A storefront with real-looking products and unreal prices takes your payment and either ships nothing or sends a counterfeit. Many are built fast and abandoned just as fast. Pay by credit card so you can dispute it, and be wary of a brand-new site selling brand-name goods for a fraction.

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