How do I tell if a Facebook Marketplace seller is a scam?

Watch for pressure, bad payment requests, and a seller who avoids a normal meetup.

Big red flags:

• Wants payment by Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, wire, or gift cards instead of a method you can verify
• Asks for a code of any kind — never share 2-factor or Google Voice verification codes
• Pushes you off Facebook fast to WhatsApp, Telegram, text, or email
• Price is way too low for the item
• Profile looks new, empty, or inconsistent
• Won’t meet in a public place or refuses an in-person handoff
• Overpayment scam: sends extra money and asks you to refund the difference

Best rule: if they rush you, dodge questions, or want risky payment before you have the item, treat it as a scam.

For local deals, cash in person in a safe public place is usually the simplest safer choice.