How do I avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace in Canada?

To reduce the risk of scams on Facebook Marketplace in Canada, use these basic safety rules:

1. Don’t pay in advance

• Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit or full payment before you’ve seen the item in person.
• If someone pressures you to send money quickly, walk away.

2. Meet in a safe, public place

• Choose a busy, well-lit public location whenever possible.
• Some Canadian police services and municipalities offer designated safe exchange or buy-and-sell zones, but availability varies by city. If one isn’t available near you, use another busy public place such as a mall parking lot or bank lobby.

3. Use Interac e-Transfer carefully

• Scammers can spoof payment-looking messages or send fake emails/texts that resemble payment notifications.
• If you’re the seller, confirm the money has actually arrived in your banking app before handing over the item.
• Turning on Auto-deposit can help reduce risk.

4. Never share verification codes

• If someone asks for a code sent to your phone or email, don’t share it.
• Codes can be used to access accounts or create fraud schemes.

5. Avoid shipping, overpayments, and odd refund requests

• Be cautious if a buyer wants to pay extra, use a courier pickup, or send more money than the asking price and ask for a refund.
• For higher-risk items, local face-to-face transactions are usually safer than shipping.

6. Check the listing and the seller

• Watch for prices that are much lower than normal, rushed messages, copied photos, or a profile with little history.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t proceed.