Overview
Facebook scams range from Marketplace fraud and fake profiles to phishing messages and investment schemes. With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook is a prime target for scammers who create convincing fake accounts, post fraudulent listings, and send deceptive messages designed to steal money and personal information. Marketplace scams alone cost consumers millions each year through fake product listings, overpayment tricks, and shipping fraud.
How This Scam Works
Fake Marketplace listings offer popular items at deeply discounted prices, collecting payment through off-platform methods and never delivering the product.
Romance scammers create attractive fake profiles and build emotional connections over weeks or months before asking for money.
Phishing messages from compromised friend accounts ask you to click links, vote in fake contests, or watch 'Is this you?' videos that steal your login credentials.
Fake giveaway and contest pages impersonate legitimate brands, collecting personal information from participants.
Investment scam groups promote fake cryptocurrency or trading opportunities with manufactured success stories.
Warning Signs
Real Scam Examples
These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.
I'm selling this PS5 for $150 because I'm moving and need to get rid of it fast. I can ship it to you if you send payment through Zelle or CashApp. I'll mail it as soon as I get the payment!
OMG [your name] is this you in this video?? I can't believe someone posted this!! 😱 [link]
I know we've only been talking for a few weeks but I feel such a connection with you. I'm stuck overseas and need help with a plane ticket to come see you. Can you wire me $500?
How to Protect Yourself
1Use Facebook's built-in payment system
For Marketplace transactions, use Facebook Pay or cash for local pickups. Never send money through wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps for online purchases.
2Meet in safe public locations
For local Marketplace transactions, meet at a police station, bank lobby, or other well-lit public place. Never invite strangers to your home.
3Verify profiles before engaging
Check the age of the account, number of friends, and post history. Scam profiles are often newly created with few photos and connections.
4Do not click suspicious links
Even if a message appears to come from a friend, do not click links without verifying through another communication channel that they actually sent it.
5Enable two-factor authentication
Protect your Facebook account with two-factor authentication so scammers cannot take it over even if they obtain your password.
6Report suspicious activity
Use Facebook's built-in reporting tools to flag fake profiles, fraudulent listings, and scam messages. This helps protect other users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think you have received a scam like this?
Paste the suspicious message into our free AI-powered scam analyzer.
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