How-to guide
Facebook Marketplace scams
Facebook Marketplace is great for local deals — and a hotspot for scams aimed at both buyers and sellers. The tricks are predictable once you know them.
Common Marketplace scams
- Buyer sends a fake "payment sent" screenshot and asks you to ship.
- The "Zelle business account upgrade" trick — you're told to send money to "unlock" a payment.
- Overpayment with a request to refund the difference.
- Seller asks for a deposit to "hold" a high-demand item.
- A code request: "text me the Google Voice code to prove you're real" (account takeover).
How to stay safe
Deal locally, in person, with cash or the platform's own payment. Never share verification codes, never pay deposits to strangers, and verify payments in your bank app — not from a screenshot. Run suspicious chats through Scam Doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a buyer want a Google verification code?
It's an account-takeover scam — the code lets them hijack a Google Voice number tied to your phone. Never share any verification code.
Is it safe to accept Zelle on Marketplace?
Only from people you trust. The "upgrade your account to receive payment" message is a scam — Zelle has no such fee.