When selling on Facebook Marketplace, it's crucial to be aware of red flags that indicate a potential scam. While there are numerous tactics scammers use, here are five of the most common red flags to watch out for:

1. The Buyer Insists on Using a Specific, Non-Secure Payment Method.
A major red flag is when a buyer pushes for a particular payment app like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App and refuses to use more secure options or cash. They may claim that a payment from these apps has been sent and pressure you to ship the item, but the payment is often fake or from a stolen account and will be reversed. They might even send you a fake screenshot of the payment to convince you.

2. The Buyer Tries to Overpay You.
This is a classic scam. The buyer will "accidentally" send more than the asking price and then ask you to refund the difference. The initial payment is usually fraudulent (e.g., a fake check or stolen funds) and will eventually be reversed by the bank. By the time you realize the original payment was a scam, the money you sent back to them is gone from your own account.

3. The Buyer Asks for Your Personal Information or a Verification Code.
Scammers often attempt to get your phone number or other personal details to carry out identity theft or to gain access to your accounts. A common variation is the "Google Voice scam," where the buyer asks for your phone number to "verify" you, which they then use to set up a new Google Voice number. The verification code sent to you is actually the two-factor authentication code for their new account, and if you give it to them, they can use it to commit further fraud in your name.

4. The Buyer Is Too Eager and Doesn't Ask Relevant Questions.
Be suspicious of buyers who respond with generic messages like "Is this available?" within minutes of your post, without asking for any details about the item's condition, age, or functionality. These are often automated messages from bots. Additionally, a buyer who agrees to pay full price without negotiating or even seeing the item in person is a major red flag, as they are likely not a legitimate buyer.

5. The Buyer Has a Suspicious Profile.
Always check the profile of the person you're communicating with. Red flags include a newly created profile with little to no activity, a lack of a profile picture, very few friends, or inconsistent information. Legitimate buyers and sellers will typically have an established profile with some history.