Scam library
Online marketplace payment scams
Fake buyers or sellers on online marketplaces who trick you with payments, codes or fake shipping.
Social interactions today2.4K
TrendEasing
Last 14 days
How much people are talking about "Facebook Marketplace scam" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.
What it looks like
Is this still available? Before I buy, I want to make sure you're real. I'm sending you a code, can you tell me what it says?
I paid you through Zelle but it says your account needs to be upgraded to business. Please send me $300 and you'll get it back with my payment.
I'm out of town. I'll pay extra for shipping and my mover will pick it up. Just send the extra to the mover through a payment app.
How it works
A buyer asks for a code 'to prove you're real', which is really a sign-in code that lets them take over your account or open a phone number in your name. Others send fake payment emails saying you must pay to unlock the money, or overpay and ask for the difference back. Fake sellers take a deposit for something that does not exist.
Warning signs
- A buyer asks you to share a verification code
- An email says payment is pending until you pay or upgrade
- They overpay and want the extra back
- They will not meet, or need shipping to a distant address
- A seller wants a deposit by payment app before you see the item
If you got one of these
- Never share a code sent to your phone. Codes are only for you.
- Check payments in your own bank or app, not in emails or screenshots.
- Meet in a public place, and pay or get paid in person when you can.
- Report the profile in the marketplace app.
If you already paid or shared something
- Call your bank and the payment app's support from inside the app or official website.
- If you shared a code, change the account password and check your security settings.
- Report it in the marketplace app and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Who gets targeted
People selling furniture, cars, tickets or pets online, and buyers looking for deals.
Also read: Which kind of two-step sign-in is best?