Facebook Marketplace scams: spot the 3 common tricks
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. A buyer asking for a login or verification code to “prove you are real” is a scam warning. The code may link your number to another account or enable account access.
Exhibit · Text message
Other versions you might get: An “overpayment” where a buyer sends too much and asks for the difference back; a buyer or seller who only takes Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards; a rental or car “deposit” before you've seen it; or a shipped item that never arrives. Different masks, same goal: get money or a code before you can verify.
What to do right now
- Do not share a sign-in or verification code with a buyer. Google Voice scammers use a code to link a number they control to your phone number. Other codes may authorize account access. A code is not needed for a buyer to decide whether your listing is genuine.
- Keep it on the platform. Don't move to personal text, email, Zelle, or Cash App, and don't pay a “shipper.” Marketplace's own messaging and checkout are where the limited protections live.
- For local sales, meet in a public place and take cash (or a payment you've confirmed has cleared). Don't refund an “overpayment” — cancel and reverse the whole thing instead.
- Report it. Use Facebook's report tools on the buyer or listing, then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
A buyer asked me to send a verification code to prove I'm real. Is that a scam?
Is it safe to use Zelle or Cash App on Facebook Marketplace?
A buyer overpaid and wants me to refund the difference — what do I do?
How do I sell safely on Facebook Marketplace?
Related scams
Fake check scam: why you'll owe the money back
Someone sent you a check and wants you to send part back? That is a fake-check scam pattern. Available funds are not proof the check is valid.
Zelle text scam: is that message real?
Got a Zelle text about a payment you didn't make, a locked account, or a code to confirm? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
Craigslist scams: fake escrow, shipping, and wire tricks
Selling or buying on Craigslist and a distant buyer wants to use an escrow service, a shipping agent, or a cashier's check? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Google Voice scam: never send that verification code
A “buyer” wants you to text back a Google code to prove you're a real person? Here's the verdict and what to do.
OfferUp scams: spot the fake buyer in one line
A buyer wants a verification code, an overpayment refund, or to move you off the app? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
eBay scams: spot the fake buyer or seller
A buyer or seller sends a fake eBay notice, pushes you off-platform, or asks for a wire or gift card? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Airbnb scams: spot the fake host or payment link
A host moves you off Airbnb, sends a payment link, or pressures you to share a code? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Online shopping scam: spot the fake store
A bargain site takes your payment, never sends the item, or insists on a gift card or crypto? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Sources
- 01The Google Voice scam: how this verification code scam works— Federal Trade Commission
- 02Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam— Federal Trade Commission
- 03Report fraud to the FTC— Federal Trade Commission
- 04What To Do if You Were Scammed— consumer.ftc.gov
- 05How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams— consumer.ftc.gov
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.