It’s the digital age’s garage sale, but Facebook Marketplace has quickly become a hunting ground for sophisticated predators who know exactly how to exploit your desire for a good deal. As we move into February 2026, a new wave of fraudulent tactics is surfacing, designed to drain your bank account before you even realize you’ve been targeted. It is not your fault that these platforms have become so dangerous, but the hidden system of automated bots means you have to be your own detective. We are exposing the 10 most common scams hiding on the platform right now. You can keep up with Facebook Marketplace scams in 2026 to stay one step ahead of the criminals.
1. The Overpayment Check Trick
The first scam is the overpayment trick. A buyer sends you a check for more than the asking price and asks you to wire back the difference. The check is a high-quality fake that will bounce days after you’ve sent your real money to the criminal. Never accept more than the agreed price, especially via cashier’s checks or money orders which are frequently forged.
2. The Google Voice Verification Code
A stranger asks for your phone number to verify you are real, then sends you a code and asks you to repeat it. They are actually using that code to set up a fraudulent Google Voice account in your name. This is a major identity theft warning; once they have your number linked, they can scam others using your digital identity. You can find more Facebook scam warnings from cybersecurity experts like NordVPN.
3. The Fake Shipping Label Trap
Beware of the fake shipping scam where a seller provides a tracking number that shows as delivered in your zip code, but the package never arrives. They use stolen tracking numbers from other local deliveries to trick the platform’s protection systems. Always verify the address on the label before releasing payment.
4. Non-Refundable App Pre-Payments
Sellers will claim they have multiple buyers and need a deposit via Zelle or Venmo to hold it. Once the money is sent, the profile vanishes. Because these apps are irreversible, your bank cannot get the money back. If a seller won’t meet for a cash transaction in person, they aren’t legitimate.
5. The Rental Property Mirage
Scammers steal photos from real estate sites and rent out properties they don’t own, collecting application fees and deposits from unsuspecting families. Always verify property ownership through official county records before sending a cent for a ‘rental’ you found on Marketplace.
6. The Electronic Box Swap
You meet in person, they show you a working phone, but then they swap it for a broken unit or a literal brick while you are reaching for your wallet. Always test the item in your own hands and never let it go until the transaction is complete. Scammers rely on your politeness to pull off this sleight of hand.
7. The Out-of-Town Relative Pickup
A buyer claims they are out of town and will send a cousin to pick it up, then sends a fake payment confirmation email. This is designed to pressure you into releasing the item before you verify the funds. You can see red flags for Marketplace scams on sites like CyberGuy to avoid these emotional traps.
8. High-End Giveaway Phishing
A post promises a free high-end item like an iMac but requires you to click a link to register which steals your Facebook login credentials. If the price seems too good to be true, it is almost certainly a phishing attempt meant to hijack your account.
9. Hidden Shipping Insurance Fees
A seller claims you need to pay a special shipping insurance fee that isn’t included in the Marketplace price. They will send a link that looks like FedEx or UPS but is actually a credit card skimmer. Never pay for shipping ‘insurance’ through a link provided by a stranger.
10. The Fake Car History Report
A seller insists you use a specific, sketchy website to get a vehicle history report, which is actually a front for stealing your payment information. Only use reputable, well-known services like Carfax. Protecting yourself means refusing to use third-party links suggested by the other party.
Protecting Your Wallet in the Digital Wild West
Facebook Marketplace can still be a great resource, but only if you treat every transaction with Insider Authority. The golden rule is simple: deal in cash, meet in person at a police station, and never move the conversation off the official messenger. By slowing down and questioning the narrative, you disrupt their system. You deserve to shop without being hunted. Stay vigilant this February and remember that your safety is worth more than any bargain. The best deal you can make is the one where your identity and your hard-earned money stay exactly where they belong.
Have you been targeted by a weirdly persistent buyer lately? Leave a comment below and let’s warn the community about the latest fake profiles.
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The post 10 Scams Hiding on Facebook Marketplace You Should Avoid This February appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
