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A brand-new phone is listed at half the retail price, a designer bag with tags still on, or a last-minute furniture deal that looks almost too perfect—listings like these draw attention instantly on Facebook Marketplace. But behind many of them lies something far less appealing: an elaborate scam.
In 2025, deception on digital marketplaces has reached new levels of sophistication. Fake profiles. Staged photos. Messages crafted to sound just right. All building an illusion of trust, until the moment money disappears, and so does the seller.
A deal that seems quick and easy can spiral into a costly regret. It happens fast. It feels real. It leaves no trace.
What’s really going on beneath the surface? Time to take a closer look.
A listing shows a "brand new" iPhone or a luxury handbag at half the price. The offer looks tempting. But what arrives, if anything at all, might be a low-quality replica or a nonfunctional item.
Beneath the surface of the deal lies a costly surprise.
Stay sharp: Ask for a video of the item. Request a time-stamped photo. If they dodge, walk away.
Fake Listings: Photos Are Real, the Item Isn’t
This one's sneaky. A scammer lifts images from real listings or e-commerce sites. They post them as their own and demand payment, usually upfront. Once they get the money? Poof. Gone.
The safest move: Avoid sending money before seeing the item in person or through a live video call. No exceptions.
A cozy apartment appears with a dreamy price tag. The “landlord” requests a wired deposit to “secure it.” But upon visiting, the address either doesn’t exist or is already occupied.
Watch for this: If there’s refusal to meet at the property or pressure to rush the process, it’s likely a scam. Deposits should never be sent without seeing the place first.
Overpayment = Over Trouble
A chair is listed for sale. A buyer shows interest. Everything seems fine until an “accidental” overpayment is made, followed by a request to return the difference. After the refund is sent, it’s revealed that the original payment was fake. Both the item and the money are now gone.
Here’s the rule: No overpayments. Ever. Stick to the price. If it feels fishy, it probably is.
Scammers often use throwaway online accounts. No profile picture. No public posts. Just created last week. If someone like this sends a message, proceed with caution.
Check these: Look at their profile age, past listings, and reviews (if any). A real person usually leaves digital footprints.
Some "buyers" ask strange questions such as full name, date of birth, or email for verification. Sometimes, a link is sent to “confirm identity.” It’s a trap. The goal is to steal data, not purchase the item.
Rule of thumb: No personal info. No links. No codes. Just talk about the item and nothing more.
Bait-and-Switch Tactics
A seller lists a TV for $150. When an inquiry is made, the response is, “That one’s gone, but another is available for $350.” This is a classic bait-and-switch. Some even present a low-quality product first and attempt an upsell once interest is shown.
What to do: Be ready to walk away. Avoid giving in to pressure to purchase more than originally intended.
Excuses start to appear, such as being out of town, a relative handling the shipping, or accepting only online payments. A refusal to meet or avoidance of video calls often signals a scam. Best to avoid the interaction entirely.
Play it safe: Always meet in public spots, preferably during the day and near surveillance cameras. Bring a friend if needed.
Misleading Descriptions = Disappointment
That “like new” blender may look okay in the photo, but it arrives chipped, rusty, or missing parts. Descriptions can be deceptive. Some sellers leave out key flaws on purpose.
Stay smart: Ask detailed questions. Clarify the condition, usage, and any damage. Ensure everything is in writing before any payment is made.
An agreement is made on a price. Later, the seller adds a mysterious shipping fee or handling charge. Suddenly, the deal isn’t so sweet.
Ask upfront: What’s included in the price? If any fees pop up later, feel free to back out.
The truth is, scams don’t come with flashing red lights. They wear a smile, type fast, and sound convincing. But there is something better, common sense and a healthy dose of doubt.
So before buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace, pause. Look closer. Ask more. And never, ever rush.
Because in a space where almost anyone can connect, the responsibility falls on the individual to protect money, time, and peace of mind.
