How This Scam Works
1
Scammer posts an item at a very attractive price to generate interest quickly.
2
They claim multiple buyers are interested, pressuring you to act fast.
3
They have excuses for not meeting in person: out of town, military deployment, etc.
4
They ask for payment via Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards, which have no buyer protection.
5
After receiving payment, they block you and disappear. The item never existed or arrives as a counterfeit.
Warning Signs
Price is significantly below market value
Seller refuses to meet in person or show the item
Buyer offers to pay more than the asking price
Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto
Newly created profile with no history or friends
Rushes you to complete the transaction
Real Examples
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How to Protect Yourself
Always meet in a public, well-lit place (many police stations have designated trading spots)
Inspect items in person before paying
Use Facebook Marketplace's built-in payment protection when available
Never accept checks or overpayments
Check the seller/buyer profile for age, friends, and activity
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
Frequently Asked Questions
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Help Protect Others
Share this scam report to warn friends and family.