Marketplace scams: fake sellers, buyers and payment tricks

For a seller contacting you through Facebook or Instagram, start with the social-profile verification workflow, then separately verify the item, payment destination and marketplace buyer protections.

Seller-side scams

A fraudulent seller may use stolen photos, copied listings, fake reviews or a newly created account to advertise an item that does not exist or is materially different from the listing. Pressure often appears around deposits, reservation fees, shipping insurance or off-platform payment.

Buyer-side scams

Sellers can be targeted too. Warning signs include fake payment emails, screenshots instead of actual account confirmation, overpayment followed by a refund request, claims that you must upgrade an account to receive funds, or requests to pay a courier/agent before the sale completes.

Stay inside the platform

Platform messaging, payment and dispute systems are not perfect, but moving away from them can remove useful records and protections. A request to continue on private chat or pay directly should increase your verification threshold.

Verify payment in your own account

Do not rely on a screenshot, email or buyer-provided link showing that money was sent. Open your own payment or banking app independently and confirm what actually arrived and whether it is available.

Standalone stores and marketplace sellers require different checks

When a seller directs you to an independent storefront, the marketplace's buyer protection may not apply. The retailer's claimed registration, delivery and returns terms must be checked separately. Use the online-store verification process for that situation. If the transaction remains inside the marketplace, check which particular purchase types and payment flows are protected; never assume the marketplace covers every deal. See the FTC marketplace guidance.