Before you respond
Facebook Marketplace scam messages
Learn Facebook Marketplace scam warning signs, including fake buyers, overpayments, verification codes, risky payments, shipping pressure, and deposits.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
A Facebook Marketplace message may be a scam if the buyer or seller pushes unusual payment, shipping, overpayment, or verification-code steps.
Keep communication and payment inside trusted channels when possible, and verify payment before shipping or refunding anything.
At a glance
A Facebook Marketplace scam uses a fake buyer, fake seller, payment trick, overpayment, code request, or shipping story to steal money or account access.
- They ask for a verification code.
- They overpay and ask for money back.
- They move the deal to risky payment apps or shipping arrangements.
Do not share codes, ship based on screenshots, or refund overpayments before verifying through trusted channels.
How marketplace scams change the normal buying flow
Marketplace scams usually add an unusual step to a normal sale. A buyer may ask for a code to prove you are real, send a fake payment screenshot, overpay by check, or ask you to refund a mover. A seller may request deposits by payment app for items, pets, rentals, or tickets that do not exist.
Slow the sale down. Check payment status in the real app, avoid sharing codes, and be careful with anyone who cannot meet, refuses platform protections, or changes the payment method.
What it may look like
"I want to buy it, but I need to send a verification code first to make sure your listing is real."
Signs to slow down
- A buyer asks for a Google Voice or other verification code.
- They send a payment screenshot, fake email, or pending-payment claim.
- They overpay and ask you to refund a shipper, mover, or relative.
- A seller requests deposits through payment apps, gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer.
What to do next
- Do not share verification codes or account links.
- Verify payment inside the real payment app before shipping or handing over an item.
- Avoid overpayment refunds, movers, and off-platform pressure.
- Report suspicious profiles and listings to the marketplace.
- Contact your payment provider quickly if money moved.
How to report it
- Report marketplace scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report the listing, profile, or message inside Facebook or the marketplace platform.
- Report cyber-enabled account or payment losses to IC3.gov when appropriate.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can help you review a buyer or seller message before you act.
Paste the marketplace message. Olevo can help flag code requests, fake payments, overpayments, risky deposits, and shipping pressure.
Trusted sources
Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance describes fake buyers, fake payment notices, and verification-code requests around online listings.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
AARP
AARP guidance gives practical examples of fake buyers, fake sellers, overpayments, and payment pressure in marketplace scams.
Mobile Payment Apps: How To Avoid a Scam When You Use One
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance warns that payment app transfers can be hard to reverse and recommends verifying recipients before sending money.
Common questions
Why would a buyer ask for a verification code?
That is a scam warning sign. The code may let them create or access an account using your phone number.
Should I ship after seeing a payment screenshot?
No. Check payment status in the real app or account before shipping or releasing an item.
Is an overpayment from a buyer safe?
Be careful. Overpayments often lead to fake check or refund scams.
What if I already sent a code?
Secure the affected account or number, contact the service, and report the marketplace profile.