How to Spot the Warning Signs and Protect Your Money
Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform for buying and selling items locally—but it has also become a popular place for scammers to operate. These fraudsters often pose as legitimate buyers or sellers, using clever tactics to trick people into sending money, revealing personal information, or clicking on harmful links. Here are some of the most common Facebook Marketplace scams and what you can do to stay safe.
Hijacked Facebook Accounts
Scammers take control of real Facebook accounts—sometimes even accounts belonging to people you know. They post items for sale or send private messages offering something that sounds too good to pass up. Because the message appears to come from a trusted source, it feels safe. They ask for a deposit to “hold” the item, but once the money is sent, the listing disappears.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t send money until you’ve verified the person through a trusted, off-platform method (like a phone call or text).
- Be suspicious of unusual requests, even from people you know.
Fake Payment Verification Scams
A scammer posing as a buyer offers to pay through Zelle®, Venmo, or another money transfer service, but says they need you to 'verify your account' first. They ask for your phone number or email and send a link or code to enter—this is a phishing attempt to access your payment account or bank login.
How to protect yourself:
- Never share verification codes or account credentials.
- Only use payment methods you trust and control.
- Walk away if someone’s instructions seem overly complicated.
Overpayment and Refund Scams
A scammer pretends to overpay you, then asks for a refund of the difference. By the time your bank flags the original payment as fraudulent, your refund is already gone.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid deals that involve any kind of overpayment.
- Never issue a refund before confirming the original payment is legitimate and cleared.
Phishing Links and Fake Shipping Labels
Scammers send links claiming to be payment confirmations or shipping labels, but they lead to fake websites designed to steal your credentials or install malware.
How to protect yourself:
- Never click unfamiliar links from buyers or sellers.
- Confirm URLs before sharing personal info or using third-party sites.
- Use trusted shipping services directly (like USPS, UPS, etc.).
Final Tips for Staying Safe on Facebook Marketplace
- Meet in public places for exchanges whenever possible.
- Use cash or secure digital payment platforms you’re familiar with.
- Be cautious of anyone rushing you or offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
If You’ve Been Scammed:
- Contact us immediately to report suspicious activity.
- Report the scam to Facebook and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you shared personal information, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
F&M Bank is committed to helping our clients protect what matters. Visit our Security Center to stay informed on the latest scams and fraud prevention tips.