ScamGator safety guides
Marketplace scams: fake payments and verification codes
When selling on Facebook Marketplace or another listing site, verify payment in your own account before handing over an item.
A screenshot is not a payment
A buyer can send a convincing payment notice without sending money. Open the payment service yourself to check its status. If something is unclear, contact that service through its official help channel.
Keep verification codes private
A buyer does not need your sign-in or verification code to prove you are a real seller. Avoid requests to move the transaction into an unfamiliar process.
A fictional example
“I paid twice by accident. Refund the extra amount now. See my screenshot.”
Warning sign: an unverified payment is being used to justify sending money back. Safer action: check the transaction directly and consult the payment provider before acting.
Use the platform's protections
Review the marketplace's current buyer and seller protections before choosing a payment method. Keep useful transaction records and report suspicious accounts through the platform. Familiar wording or a long-established profile does not guarantee a safe transaction.
Source and scope
Based on FTC: Avoid scams when selling online. Published October 17, 2026. The example above is fictional. This guide is educational and does not establish whether a particular person or message is genuine.
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