A marketplace scam occurs when a fraudster pretends to be a legitimate buyer or seller on an online marketplace. These scams commonly occur on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other social media selling groups. Scammers use these platforms to target people who are buying or selling items online. They may advertise items that do not exist, request payment for products they never deliver, or trick sellers into sending money through fake payment confirmations. Because many online marketplace transactions happen between individuals who do not know each other, it can sometimes be difficult to verify whether someone is legitimate.

Common Marketplace Scams on Facebook and Social Media

Scammers use several tactics to target buyers and sellers on Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces.

Fake Listings
A scammer posts an item for sale at a price that seems unusually low in order to attract quick buyers. Once payment is sent, the seller disappears and the item is never delivered.

Overpayment Scams
In this scenario, a scammer pretends to buy an item and sends a fake payment confirmation for more than the purchase price. They then ask the seller to refund the difference. Later, the original payment is discovered to be fraudulent.

Fake Payment Messages
Scammers sometimes send emails or screenshots that appear to be payment confirmations from banks or payment apps. These messages may claim the payment is pending and require the seller to send money or gift cards in order to release the funds.

Requests to Move the Conversation Off the Platform
Scammers often ask to continue the conversation through text messages, email, or messaging apps. Moving the conversation off the marketplace platform makes it harder for platforms to monitor suspicious activity.

Warning Signs of a Marketplace Scam

Recognizing common warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to online marketplace scams.

Prices that seem too good to be true
Unusually low prices are often used to attract buyers quickly before they have time to verify the listing.

Pressure to act quickly
Scammers may create urgency by saying the item will sell fast or that multiple buyers are interested.

Requests for unusual payment methods
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment outside the marketplace platform are common red flags.

Fake payment confirmations
Emails or screenshots claiming a payment has been sent may not be legitimate. Always confirm funds in your account before completing a transaction.

Refusal to meet in person
Scammers may avoid meeting locally or refuse to provide proof that the item exists.

How to Protect Yourself When Using Online Marketplaces

Taking a few precautions can help reduce your risk when buying or selling items online.

Meet in person when possible
Arrange to meet in a safe, public location when completing a transaction.

Use secure payment methods
Avoid sending money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, especially when dealing with someone you do not know.

Verify the buyer or seller
Review user profiles carefully and be cautious of newly created accounts or accounts with little activity.

Do not rely on screenshots as proof of payment
Confirm funds have been received in your account before handing over an item.

Keep communication on the platform
Online marketplaces often provide built-in fraud protections and monitoring tools that can help detect suspicious activity.

What To Do If You Suspect a Marketplace Scam

If you believe you are dealing with a scammer on Facebook Marketplace or another online marketplace, take action immediately.

Stop communicating with the individual. Do not send money or share personal information. Report the listing or user through the marketplace platform. If you have already sent money, contact your financial institution immediately to report the incident. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Stay Alert and Protect Your Finances

Online marketplaces make it convenient to buy and sell items locally, but it is important to stay cautious when dealing with unfamiliar buyers or sellers. Marketplace scams continue to grow as more people use social media platforms to buy and sell items online.

At Michigan United Credit Union, protecting our members from fraud is a top priority. Staying informed about common scams can help you make safer financial decisions and avoid costly fraud. If you ever notice suspicious activity or believe you may have been targeted by an online marketplace scam, contact Michigan United Credit Union right away so we can help protect your account.