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Facebook Marketplace scams: verification codes, fake payments and overpayment
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Key facts
- The "verification code" trick lets a scammer set up a Google Voice number linked to your phone number (FTC, BBB).
- Meta says to check your own payment account, even if a buyer sends a screenshot of the payment.
- BBB says you don't need to give out your phone number to make a sale.
What it looks like
A made-up example based on the scripts sellers have reported to BBB Scam Tracker.
How the scam works
- A "buyer" replies fast and says they need to verify you with a code, which really sets up a Google Voice number tied to your phone.
- Or they send a fake payment email or screenshot and hope you hand over the item.
- Or they "accidentally" pay twice, or send a check for too much, and ask you to send back the difference.
- As a buyer, you see a deal that's far below market price and a seller who wants a deposit by payment app or a link outside Facebook.
Red flags
- Any request for a code sent to your phone
- A payment you can only see in an email or screenshot
- Overpaying, then asking for a refund
- Wanting to text, email or pay outside Marketplace early on
- A price far below what the item is worth, plus pressure to decide now
What to do now
- Never share a verification code with anyone.
- Check your real bank or payment app balance yourself before you hand over anything.
- Sell locally, meet in a busy public place, and take cash. If you can't sell locally, check the site's seller protections.
- Don't accept a check for more than the price, and don't send "the difference" back.
- Report the buyer, seller or listing on Facebook, then report it to the FTC and BBB Scam Tracker.
Report it
Questions
Is it safe to take Zelle, Venmo or Cash App from a buyer I don't know?
The FTC's advice to sellers is not to accept a mobile payment from someone you don't know. Payments can be faked or reversed, and screenshots prove nothing. Cash in person, or the site's own protected checkout, is safer.
I already sent the code. What now?
Stop replying and don't send any more codes. BBB warns a scammer with your Google Voice code could use the number to hide who they are, or pretend to be you. Watch for strange account notices, and report the buyer to Facebook and BBB Scam Tracker.
Sources
- FTC consumer alert: Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam (Jul 27, 2022)
- Meta: Trust and safety on Facebook Marketplace
- BBB Scam Alert: Sellers beware! Fake buyers want to hijack your phone number
- Zelle: Security tips (only send money to people you know and trust)
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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