Facebook Marketplace Scams: Zelle, Overpayment & Fake Buyers

Marketplace scams hit both buyers and sellers: fake payment screenshots, “accidental” overpayments you're asked to refund, Zelle emails demanding the buyer pay a fee you should reimburse, and strangers asking you to read back a code that was just texted to you.

How the Facebook Marketplace scam works

The common thread is money or codes moving on trust: a doctored “payment sent” screenshot, a fake Zelle email saying the buyer must upgrade to a business account, or a “verification code” that is actually the code to take over your phone number or account.

Red flags to watch for

• A buyer overpays and asks you to refund the difference
• Emails from “Zelle” about business upgrades or held payments
• Anyone asking you to read them a code texted to your phone
• Pressure to move the chat off Marketplace or ship before payment clears

What it looks like

“I sent $250 extra by mistake — please Zelle the difference back and I'll have my mover pick up the table.”

What to do

1. Never refund an overpayment — real payments don't work that way; it's the scam.
2. Confirm money in your own bank app, not from screenshots or emails.
3. Never share verification codes with anyone, for any reason.
4. Report the profile to Facebook and the FTC at 1-877-382-4357.

Other common scams