What to do if you got scammed on Facebook Marketplace
What to do if you got scammed on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places to buy and sell items locally. But in 2025, it’s also become a breeding ground for scammers in both Australia and the United States.
According to Scamwatch, Australians lost over $12 million to online shopping scams in 2024 many linked to Facebook. Meanwhile, the FTC in the US continues to rank Marketplace-related fraud among the top consumer complaints.
Why? Scammers can easily create fake profiles, upload real-looking images, and pressure buyers into quick deals with zero intention of delivering the product.
How Facebook Marketplace Scams Usually Work
Fake Sellers:
- Post high-demand items at unrealistically low prices.
- Demand quick payment via PayID, bank transfer, crypto, or Zelle.
- Disappear after receiving your money.
Fake Buyers:
- Pretend to buy your item, but send fake PayPal, AusPost, or shipping links.
- Use stolen cards to overpay, then ask for a refund.
- Send phishing pages to steal your login or 2FA codes.
Verification Scams:
- Ask you to “prove you’re real” by sending a code.
- That code often helps them bypass security and hijack your accounts.
What to Do Immediately If You’ve Been Scammed
1. Cut Off Contact
Block the buyer/seller on Facebook. Don’t argue or negotiate.
2. Collect Evidence (screenshots + files)
Take screenshots of:
- Listing page and photos
- Chat thread (full conversation)
- Profile URL & username
- Payment confirmation (transaction ID, wallet address, PayID reference, Zelle Payment ID, PayPal transaction ID)
- Any links they sent (save full URL)
3. Report to Facebook
- Go to the listing/profile → ⋯ (three dots) → Find support or report (Marketplace item or seller). This helps Meta action the account.
- Report to authorities (choose your country)
- Australia: ReportCyber (ACSC) for cybercrime; Scamwatch (for intel sharing).
- United States: FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
This helps Facebook take action faster.
4. Report to Authorities
- Australia: Scamwatch.gov.au, ReportCyber
- United States: reportfraud.ftc.gov, ic3.gov
5. Contact your bank/payment provider (right now)
Banks and platforms may flag, freeze, or reverse transactions if you act fast. See “Recovery by payment method” below.
6. Harden your accounts
- Reset any reused passwords; turn on 2FA everywhere (especially Facebook).
7. If personal data was shared
- Follow the identity-theft steps for your country (see below). Use IdentityTheft.gov (U.S.) or IDCARE/ACSC (AU).
8. Contact CypherGuard
If crypto, phishing, or identity theft is involved, CypherGuard can:
- Trace wallets
- Flag scam domains
- Collect digital evidence for disputes or law enforcement
- Support legal recovery steps
- Respond fast, while the scammer is still active
Recovery Payment Method (Quick Paths)
Bank transfer / PayID (AU) & standard bank transfers
- Call your bank immediately and request a payment recall/trace.
- For mistaken or misdirected payments, refer to AFCA guidance on mistaken internet payments; outcomes vary and speed matters.
Zelle (U.S.)
- Contact your bank’s fraud team first (Zelle runs through your bank).
- Also file with Zelle support to document the scam. Recovery is challenging for authorised push payments, but rapid reporting helps. Zelle
PayPal (use “Goods & Services,” not Friends & Family)
- Open a dispute from the transaction:
- Item Not Received / Not as Described must be opened within 30 days of delivery or within 180 days of payment (whichever is sooner). PayPal
- Review PayPal’s Buyer Protection terms for eligibility. PayPal
Crypto (BTC/ETH/USDT, etc.)
- Funds move fast and are harder to claw back. Preserve the wallet address, TX hash, time, and chain. A blockchain analysis can still help map flows and alert exchanges.
Gift cards/vouchers
- Keep receipts and card numbers; contact the issuer’s fraud line. Recovery is rare but not impossible if unused.
How CypherGuard Helps Victims of Facebook Scams
Marketplace scams work fast, but so do we. CypherGuard offers:
- Blockchain forensic tracking (crypto payments)
- Scam domain intelligence
- Profile & network analysis
- Evidence kits for police or legal use
- Dark web & data monitoring if personal info was leaked
In most cases, we can launch an investigation in hours, not days.
Red Flags to Watch for on Facebook Marketplace
Watch out for:
- Deals that feel “too good to be true”
- Pressure to send money quickly
- Requests for crypto or gift cards
- Fake shipping/payment links
- No real activity on the seller’s profile
- Generic or awkward messaging
- Refusal to meet in person
How to Stay Safe on Facebook Marketplace
- Meet in a public place (some police stations offer “safe exchange zones”)
- Don’t pay upfront, especially via crypto, PayID, or wire
- Use PayPal Goods & Services for buyer protection
- Do a reverse image search of listing photos
- Verify profile history (do they look real?)
- Avoid sharing your personal contact info
What to Do If You Shared Personal Information
If you gave out your:
- Phone
- Address
- Banking info
- ID
Then take these steps:
- Reset passwords
- Turn on 2FA
- Alert your bank
- Contact your telco (for SIM swap threats)
- Monitor for ID theft
CypherGuard can help monitor and investigate if your details are being used on scam networks or the dark web.
Report to Facebook (Exact Steps)
- Report a listing: Open the item → ⋯ → Find support or report → choose the issue.
- Report a seller/buyer: Visit their profile on Marketplace → ⋯ → Find support or report.
Pro tip: After reporting, export the chat (copy/paste or screen-record) before the thread disappears.
Payment & Shipping Phishing: Common Lures to Avoid
- AusPost “redelivery fee” or “invalid postcode” links (Darcula-style smishing). Check only in the AusPost app or official site.
- USPS “tracking update” texts: don’t tap; verify in your retailer account or USPS tools.
Evidence Checklist (Save This)
- Listing URL, screenshots, and item photos
- Profile URL + user ID
- Full chat export (show timestamps)
- Payment proof (bank transfer receipt, PayID/Osko references, Zelle Payment ID, PayPal transaction ID, crypto TX hash)
- Any links (copy full URL), email/SMS headers if applicable
- Device, date/time, and your IP/location (if known)
Message Templates You Can Copy
To your bank (AU):
“I need an urgent payment recall/trace for suspected Marketplace fraud. Paid via [PayID/Osko/bank transfer] on [date/time], amount [$], reference [XYZ]. Please initiate an urgent recall and advise next steps.”
To your bank (U.S., Zelle/ACH):
“I authorised a Zelle/ACH transfer under deception for a Marketplace purchase that never occurred. Transaction on [date/time], amount [$], recipient [name/ID]. Please investigate, secure my account, and advise dispute options.”
To PayPal (Goods & Services):
“I’m opening a dispute for [Item Not Received / Not as Described] for transaction [ID] on [date]. The seller’s listing and chat are attached. Please review under Purchase Protection.”
Case Study: Fake MacBook Seller
In Brisbane, a man paid $600 for a used MacBook through Marketplace. The seller asked for crypto (USDT) and disappeared after receiving it.
CypherGuard traced the wallet to a scam ring, flagged it in blockchain scanners, and provided a forensic report used in a police report and dispute with the crypto exchange.
Case Study: Zelle Phishing Scam
A woman in Texas listed a couch for sale. A buyer sent a “Zelle verification” link, which was a phishing page. She entered her bank login and lost $2,300.
CypherGuard traced the domain, extracted key metadata, and supported her bank investigation.
FAQ
Can Facebook refund me?
No, they don’t handle transactions directly. But reporting the scam helps others.
Can I recover my money?
Sometimes, if you use a bank or card and act fast. Crypto is harder, but CypherGuard can help trace the wallet and support your dispute.
Should I report to the police?
Yes, especially for high-value or crypto scams. Bring your screenshots and payment evidence.
What if the scammer used a fake ID?
Most do. But digital forensics can still extract valuable data from links, messages, and transactions.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe?
Yes, but only if you use caution and protect your personal and financial info.