untrappable

Facebook Marketplace scams: spot the 3 common tricks

Editorially reviewed · Last updated July 15, 2026

Yes — this is a scam. Facebook Marketplace is real, but “read me the code I just sent” is always a scam — it opens a phone account in your name.

Text Message · Today 3:12 PM
from +1 (415) 555‑0182
Hi! I want to buy your item but there are so many scammers on here. I just sent a code to your number — read it back so I know you're a real seller?
The Text message, as received

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

  1. Never share a verification or security code. If a buyer asks you to read back a code “to prove you're real,” stop — that's the Google Voice scam, and the code opens an account in your name.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Report it. Use Facebook's report tools on the buyer or listing, then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

How to make sure it never bites you

If you already shared a code, went off-platform, or sent money, act fast — and know these lists get resold, so more attempts follow. Lock down the accounts tied to your number and email: here's how.

Untrappable · Public service advisory

Stop the next one at the source

You got this because your details are on lists that get bought, sold, and leaked. You can't unspill that, but you can make it useless to a scammer. Start with the free steps — they do most of the work.

Optional — if you'd rather it was handled for you

If you'd rather have it watched for you, an identity-protection service monitors your accounts, SSN, and the dark web, warns you the moment something new appears, and helps you recover if someone gets through.

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Frequently asked

A buyer asked me to send a verification code to prove I'm real. Is that a scam?
Yes — every time. There is no legitimate reason a buyer needs a code that was sent to your phone. It's the Google Voice scam: the “buyer” is creating a Google Voice number (or taking over an account) linked to your real number, so their future scams trace back to you. Never share a code with anyone who contacted you first.
Is it safe to use Zelle or Cash App on Facebook Marketplace?
Be very careful. Zelle and Cash App work like cash — once sent, the money is gone, and there's no buyer or seller protection for goods. Scammers push these apps for exactly that reason. For local deals, meet in person and use cash; treat any “pay a deposit first” or “refund my overpayment” request as a scam.
A buyer overpaid and wants me to refund the difference — what do I do?
Don't refund anything. Overpayment is a classic scam: the original payment is fake or will be reversed, and the “refund” you send is your real money, gone for good. Cancel the sale, send no money back, and report the buyer to Facebook and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
How do I sell safely on Facebook Marketplace?
Keep all chat and payment inside Marketplace, meet local buyers in a public place in daylight, take cash or a confirmed-cleared payment, and never share a code or move to a “shipper.” If a deal feels rushed or too good, it usually is — walk away. The FTC's guide to selling online safely has more.

Related scams

Sources

A public service

Help protect someone else

Scams spread because people stay quiet about them. If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. Passing it on is the easiest good thing you'll do today. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.