As online marketplaces have grown in popularity, so have the sophisticated tactics scammers use to target honest sellers. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission, adults over 60 lost more than $1.7 billion to various scams in 2024, with marketplace fraud showing a concerning 32% increase from the previous year. While Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient way to sell unwanted items locally, it's become a prime hunting ground for scammers targeting seniors who may be less familiar with the common warning signs of fraud. In this guide, we'll cover the essential red flags every senior seller should recognize when listing items on Facebook Marketplace, along with practical strategies to keep your transactions safe and your money secure.

In this article, you'll discover:

• The most common Facebook Marketplace scams targeting sellers in 2025
• 7 warning signs that a potential buyer may be attempting to defraud you
• Simple verification steps to ensure safe, legitimate transactions
• A preview of our comprehensive Marketplace Safety Guide (exclusive to subscribers)

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How Scammers Target Facebook Marketplace Sellers

When you list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, you might be surprised to learn that you're the one who could become a victim. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 43% of seniors who reported being victimized by marketplace scams were actually selling items, not buying them. This important distinction highlights why seller-specific protection strategies are essential.

Scammers targeting sellers typically employ several common tactics:

1. Payment Method Manipulation

The most frequent Facebook Marketplace scam involves fraudulent payment methods. Scammers will claim to have sent payment through various platforms, when in reality, no money has been transferred. In a recent study by the Digital Citizens Alliance, fake payment confirmations accounted for 61% of all Marketplace fraud attempts against sellers.

Warning Sign: The buyer insists on using payment methods outside Facebook's recommended systems, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or checks.

Protection Strategy: Only accept cash for in-person transactions or use Facebook's built-in payment system for shipped items. Be extremely cautious of any buyer who claims to have sent payment but needs you to check a special link they provide.

2. Overpayment Schemes

In this classic scam, the fraudulent buyer offers to pay more than your asking price, often with a seemingly reasonable explanation such as covering shipping costs. They then send a fake payment notification showing the higher amount and ask you to refund the "extra" money. By the time you discover their original payment was fraudulent, they've disappeared with your refund.

Warning Sign: Any buyer who offers to pay significantly more than your asking price, particularly when followed by requests to return a portion of the payment.

Protection Strategy: Never accept payments for more than the agreed-upon price, and verify that any payment has fully cleared your account before shipping items or providing refunds.

For a comprehensive guide on securely selling items online, including step-by-step verification procedures and screenshots of fraudulent payment notifications, check out our "Safe Online Selling Guide" in our Learning Hub. Get Full Access!

3. Fake Shipping Service Scams

In this increasingly common tactic, after agreeing to purchase your item, the scammer sends you a link to a "special shipping service" they claim to use, which often appears to be associated with Facebook or another legitimate company. The fake shipping website will ask for your personal and financial information, supposedly to arrange delivery.

Warning Sign: The buyer pressures you to use an unfamiliar shipping service, often sending links to websites that mimic legitimate companies.

Protection Strategy: Only use established, well-known shipping services you contact directly, and never enter personal information on websites sent by buyers.

4. Code Verification Fraud

This sophisticated scam involves the buyer asking for your phone number, claiming they want to verify you're a real person. They then attempt to create accounts on various platforms using your phone number, which triggers verification codes sent to you. If you share these codes, the scammer can access accounts or create new ones in your name.

Warning Sign: The buyer asks for verification codes sent to your phone or email, often claiming it's to confirm you're a legitimate seller.

Protection Strategy: Never share verification codes with anyone, regardless of their reasoning.

5. Fake Profile Deception

Many scammers operate using fake profiles with limited history. According to Facebook's own security reports, they removed over 1.3 billion fake accounts in 2024 alone, yet sophisticated scammers continue to create convincing profiles to target marketplace users.

Warning Sign: The buyer's profile was created very recently, has few friends, minimal activity, or uses stock photos rather than personal pictures.

Protection Strategy: Check the buyer's profile before engaging. Look for an established history, mutual friends, and authentic personal posts.

6. Urgency and Pressure Tactics

Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent you from carefully considering the transaction. They may claim they need the item immediately for a special occasion or that they have multiple buyers interested in similar items.

Warning Sign: The buyer uses high-pressure tactics or creates artificial urgency to rush the transaction.

Protection Strategy: Take your time with all marketplace transactions. Legitimate buyers will understand reasonable precautions.

7. Elaborate Personal Stories

Another common tactic involves sharing unnecessarily detailed personal stories to evoke sympathy and lower your guard. These might include medical emergencies, military deployment, or family crises that allegedly prevent normal transaction procedures.

Warning Sign: The potential buyer shares excessive personal details, particularly stories of hardship that explain why they need special transaction arrangements.

Protection Strategy: While many people have genuine challenges, stick to standard selling procedures regardless of the buyer's story.

Safe Transaction Practices for Facebook Marketplace

When selling on Facebook Marketplace, follow these essential safety practices:

• Meet in public, well-lit locations for exchanges, preferably in designated safe exchange zones often available at police stations
• Accept only cash for in-person transactions or use Facebook Payments for shipped items
• Verify that payments have fully cleared before shipping any items
• Document all communication within the Facebook platform rather than moving to texts or email
• Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, it probably is

"I almost fell for a payment scam when selling my old camera on Facebook Marketplace. Thankfully, I had just read the Cyber Smart Seniors guide on marketplace scams and recognized the warning signs. The comprehensive checklist saved me from losing $650!" — Richard K., CSS Member

Facebook Marketplace Seller Protection Checklist

Before finalizing any transaction on Facebook Marketplace:

• Verify the buyer's profile authenticity and history
• Keep all communication within Facebook's messaging system
• Meet in safe, public locations for in-person exchanges
• Verify payments have cleared before releasing items
• Never share verification codes or personal financial information
• Document the transaction with photos and messages
• Trust your instincts if something seems suspicious

Frequently Asked Questions About Facebook Marketplace Seller Safety

How can I tell if a buyer's payment is legitimate?

Wait until funds fully clear in your account before shipping any items or providing services. Be aware that some payment platforms can show pending transactions that may later be reversed.

What should I do if I think I've encountered a scammer on Facebook Marketplace?

Report the user to Facebook immediately using the reporting feature. Block the user, and if you've shared any personal information, monitor your accounts closely and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus.

Is it safe to accept checks or money orders on Facebook Marketplace?

Cash is always the safest option for in-person transactions. Checks and money orders can be fraudulent and may initially appear to clear before being reversed days or weeks later.

How can I safely ship items sold on Facebook Marketplace?

Use Facebook's built-in shipping and payment system when possible. For higher-value items, consider shipping with tracking and insurance through established carriers you contact directly.

Staying One Step Ahead of Marketplace Scammers

This article covered the essential warning signs of Facebook Marketplace scams targeting sellers, but sophisticated scammers are constantly developing new tactics. Cyber Smart Seniors members receive weekly updates on the latest scam trends, along with detailed protection strategies tailored specifically for older adults.

Our members gain exclusive access to:

• Our complete library of 52 senior-friendly cybersecurity and tech guides
• Downloadable and printable safety checklists for each online marketplace
• Deep dive podcasts exploring marketplace safety with fraud prevention experts
• Weekly newsletters with timely cybersecurity alerts and prevention tips

The digital landscape can be challenging to navigate, but you don't have to do it alone. With the right knowledge and resources, you can confidently buy and sell online while keeping your money and personal information secure.Become a Cyber Smart Senior Today!