What are red flags when buying from a stranger on Facebook Marketplace?
Communication and meeting red flags
A legitimate seller will usually agree to meet in a public place during the day. If they insist on shipping the item without letting you inspect it, or claim they're out of town and need a deposit, that's a scam.
Check the seller's Facebook profile. If it was created recently, has few friends, or no posts, it could be a fake account. Also, be cautious if they ask to move the conversation off Facebook to email or text immediately.
- Refuses to meet in person or only wants to ship
- Profile is new, has few friends, or no activity
- Pressures you to pay a deposit before seeing the item
Payment red flags
Scammers often ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App. These methods offer little to no buyer protection and are hard to reverse.
If the seller asks you to pay using a link they send, or wants your bank login, that's a definite scam. Cash in person is safest, but if you must pay electronically, use a method with buyer protection like PayPal Goods & Services.
- Requests payment via gift card, crypto, or wire transfer
- Asks for your bank account or login info
- Wants a deposit before you see the item
Item and pricing red flags
If the price is significantly lower than similar items, it's likely a scam. Also, be wary of listings with stock photos instead of real pictures of the item.
Check the item's serial number or IMEI if applicable. For electronics, meet at a carrier store to verify it's not reported lost or stolen. If the seller avoids these checks, walk away.
- Price far below market value
- Uses stock photos instead of real ones
- Avoids letting you verify serial numbers or IMEI
Common mistakes
- Assuming a seller with a few friends is safe; scammers can buy or hack old accounts.
- Using Zelle or Venmo with a stranger; these apps are for friends and family, not purchases.
- Meeting in a private location; always meet in a public, well-lit place.
Related questions
- How can I verify a seller on eBay or Amazon Marketplace?
- Should I use friends and family on PayPal to pay a seller I don't know?
- How can I check if an online seller is legitimate before buying?
- What should I do if a seller asks me to pay outside the platform?
- Is it safe to buy from a seller with no reviews?