Marketplace Scams: Fraud on Facebook, eBay and Classified Sites

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Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for scammers. They target sellers with fake payment confirmations, buyers with items that don't exist, and everyone with increasingly creative tricks. Here's how to protect yourself.

Quick Verdict

What it usually is: Fake payment confirmations, overpayment scams, or non-existent items. Scammers target both buyers and sellers.

Who gets targeted: Anyone buying or selling on Marketplace, especially high-value items.

Red Flags to Look For

Can't meet in person — "I'm interstate but my courier will collect it"
Overpays then asks for refund — "Oops I sent $500 too much, please refund"
Payment confirmation via email only — Real payments show in your bank app or PayPal
Eager buyer, no negotiation — "I'll take it, full price, right now"
Asks you to click a link — For "secure payment" or "shipping label"
Requests gift cards as payment — Never legitimate
Pressure to ship before payment clears — "My courier is coming today"

Realistic Examples

The Courier Collection Scam

"Hi! I'm interested in your item. I'm in Perth for work but I'll send my courier to collect. I'll pay via PayPal — please send your email so I can process payment. Once paid, just give the item to the courier driver."

Reality: You'll receive a fake PayPal email. If you hand over the item, you'll never see payment. Real PayPal payments show in your actual PayPal account (log in directly, don't click email links).

The Overpayment Trick

"Payment sent! Oh no, I accidentally paid $800 instead of $300. The extra $500 was meant for the courier. Can you please transfer $500 to this account so he can pick it up today?"

Reality: No payment was ever sent. If you "refund" the overpayment, you're sending your own money to a scammer.

The Too-Good Deal (Buyer Scam)

iPhone 15 Pro Max, brand new sealed, $500. "Selling cheap because I won it in a raffle and already have one. Pickup only in [remote suburb] or I can post after payment."

Reality: The item doesn't exist or is counterfeit. They'll take payment and disappear. If the price seems too good, it is.

What to Do Next

Meet in person, in public — Police stations have designated safe-exchange zones.
Cash for local sales — No fake PayPal emails, no chargebacks, no drama.
Verify payments independently — Log into your actual bank/PayPal. Don't trust email confirmations.
Never ship before payment clears — Wait for the money to actually appear in your account.
Use Marketplace's own payment system — Offers some buyer/seller protection.

If You've Been Scammed

Report to Facebook — Tap the listing or conversation > Report > Scam.
Report to Scamwatch — scamwatch.gov.au
Contact your bank — If you sent money, they may be able to recall it.
PayPal dispute — If you paid goods & services, you have buyer protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to give my PayPal email to a buyer?

Only if you verify payment by logging into PayPal directly (not via email links). Scammers send fake payment confirmation emails. Always check your real PayPal balance.

What if they want to pay with PayPal Friends & Family?

Don't accept it. Friends & Family has no buyer/seller protection. There's no reason a stranger would use this legitimately.

How do I spot a fake profile?

Check: new account, few friends, no posts/photos, generic profile picture, name doesn't match claimed location. Though scammers also use hacked real accounts.

Marketplace Scams: Fraud on Facebook, eBay and Classified Sites

Quick Verdict

Red Flags to Look For

Realistic Examples

What to Do Next

If You've Been Scammed

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Payment Platform Scams: Overpayment Fraud on PayID, Zelle and Similar Services

Email Phishing Examples: Spot the Fakes

Is This Website Legit? How to Check Before You Buy

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