Facebook Marketplace Scams: How Avoid Getting Swindled

Facebook Marketplace. A magical land where you can find everything from a gently used iPhone to a suspiciously cheap "brand-new" PlayStation 5. But before you crack open your wallet and Venmo your life savings to some guy named "Mike P. (Not a Scammer)," let's talk about the dark side of online deals, the Marketplace scams.

As your friendly neighbourhood computer repair experts, we’ve seen too many valued clients get burned by shady Marketplace deals. So, let’s break down the common scams, the red flags to watch for, and how to avoid becoming the next victim of “Too Good to Be True, Inc.”

1. Overpayment

How it works: You’re selling something—maybe an old laptop you just upgraded from. A buyer messages you, super eager. They send you extra money “by accident” and request a refund. You send money, only to realize their original payment was fake, bounced, or reversed.

Red flags:

🚩 The buyer is too eager - “Take my money NOW!”

🚩 They overpay and insist you send the extra cash back ASAP.

🚩 They want to pay with an unusual method like a cashier’s check, Zelle, or cryptocurrency.

How to avoid it: Only accept payments through secure and verified platforms. If someone overpays, refund nothing until the payment clears (and even then, be suspicious).

2. Fake Payment Link

How it works: A “buyer” claims they’ve sent you payment but, instead of using a normal payment app, they send a link for you to “claim” your money. You click it, enter your bank details, and unfortunately now your account is their account.

Red flags:

🚩 Instead of paying directly, the buyer sends you a link to “accept” payment.

🚩 The link looks official but isn’t from a well-known platform (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).

🚩 The buyer pressures you to click fast before the “offer expires.”

How to avoid it: Never enter your bank details on a random link. If someone actually sent you money, you’ll see it in your app. No extra steps are required.

3. Shipping Scam

How it works: A seller claims they’ll ship the item to you after payment. Spoiler alert: They won’t.

Red flags:

🚩 The seller refuses to meet in person, even if they claim to be local.

🚩 They demand full payment before shipping.

🚩 They avoid using Facebook's official checkout and push you to use Cash App, Venmo, or wire transfers.

How to avoid it: If they won’t meet you or let you inspect the item before paying, walk away. Only use Facebook Marketplace's built-in purchase protections if shipping is involved.

4. Fake Product

How it works: You find a brand-new MacBook for $400. That’s cheaper than Apple’s power adapters, so you jump on it. Unfortunately, you either receive a completely different item, a box of rocks, or nothing at all.

Red flags:

🚩 The price is far too good to be true.

🚩 The seller has no reviews, a sketchy profile, or just joined Facebook last week.

🚩 They refuse to meet in person or insist on shipping only.

How to avoid it: Trust your instincts. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Meet in person, test the item, and never prepay.

5. Code Verification

How it works: A “buyer” claims they need to verify your identity, consequently they send you a verification code and ask you to send it back. What they're really doing is setting up a scam in your name using that code.

Red flags:

🚩 They ask you to verify yourself using a code they send to your phone.

🚩 They claim it’s for “security reasons” or “to confirm you’re not a scammer.”

🚩 It all feels strangely official, but also unnecessary.

How to avoid it: Never give verification codes to anyone. Scammers use them to take over your accounts or commit fraud in your name.

6. Broken Tech

How it works: You find a great deal on a laptop, phone, or gaming console. You meet up, pay, and everything looks fine, until you return home and realize the device is locked, broken, or missing key components.

Red flags:

🚩 The seller won’t let you test the device before buying.

🚩 They claim it’s “brand new” but can’t provide proof of purchase.

🚩 They rush you to complete the deal.

How to avoid it: Always test electronics in person. Bring a charger, check for activation locks, and confirm everything works before handing over cash. If they refuse? Walk away.

7. Rental Property

How it works: You see a fabulous rental listing. It is cheap, spacious, and available immediately. You message the “landlord,” and they say you only need to pay a deposit upfront. You send the money and surprise! The listing was fake, and the “landlord” vanishes.

Red flags:

🚩 The rent is substantially below market value.

🚩 The landlord refuses to meet in person or show the place before payment.

🚩 They pressure you to send money quickly to "secure" the deal.

How to avoid it: Never pay anything until you’ve seen the property and confirmed it’s legit.

Final Tips for Staying Safe and Avoiding Facebook Marketplace Scams

✅ Meet in a public place. Preferably a police station parking lot. Most have designated safe exchange zones.

✅ Use cash or Facebook’s official payment system. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps without buyer protections.

✅ Trust your gut. If something feels shady, it probably is.

✅ Check profiles. If a seller or buyer has no history, no profile picture, or just joined Facebook, be extra cautious.

✅ Bring a friend. Scammers (and other bad guys) are less likely to mess with you if you have backup.

✅ Read this news release from the RCMP on how to spot and avoid online marketplace scams.

Facebook Marketplace can be a great place for deals. Stay sharp, be skeptical, and when in doubt, remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is a Facebook Marketplace scam.

Now go forth and buy (or sell) safely! And if you do end up with a broken laptop from a sketchy deal, you know where to find us. 😉

🚀 Need tech help? We’ve got your back. Book now for expert computer repair, device tune-ups, and more!

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