eSafe Academy

Marketplace and Shopping

Facebook Marketplace Scam

Facebook Marketplace Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.

Example message

Buyer: I sent payment. Click the delivery link to release funds to your card.

What it is

Facebook Marketplace Scam is a marketplace and shopping scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.

How it works

The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “Buyer: I sent payment. Click the delivery link to release funds to your card.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.

Red flags

  • Payment link outside platform
  • Card details to receive money
  • Fake screenshot as proof
  • Pressure to leave the marketplace

What to do

  • Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
  • Stay inside Marketplace chat and do not enter a card to receive money.
  • If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.

If it already happened

  • Stop communicating with the sender.
  • Do not send more money or codes.
  • Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
  • Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.

Prevention tips

  • Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
  • Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
  • Stay inside Marketplace chat and do not enter a card to receive money.
  • Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.

Related scam guides

Overpayment ScamMarketplace Payment ScamFake Seller Scam

Practice safely

Try the matching training scenario

Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.

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