How do I know if a Facebook Marketplace deal is fake?

Look for a few big red flags: a new or bare profile, rushed messages, pressure to move off Facebook, prices that are way too low, and weird payment requests.

Most common scam signs

• Seller has little history, no reviews, or a recently made account
• They reply instantly and push you to decide fast
• They want to chat on text/WhatsApp/email right away
• The deal is far below normal market price
• They ask for payment before you see the item
• They ask you to send back “extra” money from an overpayment
• They ask for a verification code from your phone

Safer approach

• Meet in a busy public place
• Inspect the item before paying
• Use a payment method with buyer protection when possible
• Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, and other hard-to-recover payments

Bottom line: if the profile is thin, the price is unreal, or the seller pushes urgency or private payment, treat it as fake until you can verify the item in person.