Facebook Marketplace is a popular hub for local ‘buy and sell’ groups and business pages, but unfortunately some pages on the platform are operated by scammers. Learn more about spotting Marketplace scams and what to do if you’ve experienced a scam.
Last Updated30/07/2024
Facebook is not only a platform for keeping in touch with family and friends and sharing life moments; it’s also a popular hub for local ‘buy and sell’ groups and business pages. While many of these pages are genuine, some are unfortunately operated by scammers. At Netsafe, we have seen a rise in reports concerning Facebook Marketplace scams, which typically involve either the seller or the buyer of an item.
If you think you’ve been the target of a scam you can contact Netsafe for advice and guidance. Our helpline is free, confidential and available 7 days a week.
(https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] 
(mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 
(sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends 
(tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)Seller scams
This Facebook Marketplace scam involves the buyer paying for an item such as a device or furniture but either receiving nothing or receiving an item that is significantly different from what was advertised.
Often, the scammer will block the buyer, making it impossible for the buyer to contact them again. In some cases, messages from the buyer to the seller are ignored.
Buyer scams
In this variant, the scammer poses as a buyer interested in an item and insists on arranging delivery themselves.
They will send the seller a link to a fake website that mimics a legitimate delivery company, asking the seller to pay a small ‘insurance fee’ to initiate the delivery process. The fake website is designed to obtain banking details from the seller.
Fake business pages can appear legitimate at first glance. Engage with pages that have detailed profiles and active selling histories. Check customer reviews for any negative feedback or red flags.
When interacting with a seller, look at how active they have been with previous sales. Conduct an online search of their name to see if it appears in reports of scams.
If a buyer wants to use a specific delivery company, research the company online to check for negative reviews or discrepancies in contact details.
Avoid using payment methods such as wire transfers or prepaid cards. Opt for secure payment methods like bank transfers or cash, preferably for in-person transactions. Remember, legitimate buyers only require your account number for bank transfers, not additional banking details.
If you think you’ve been affected by a Facebook Marketplace scam, inform your friends and family to help them avoid falling victim.
You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.
Whilst we cannot investigate or track scammers, we can provide advice on steps you can take to stay safe and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
We’ve worked with Spectrum Care to create a plain language online safety guides about shopping and selling online for people with an intellectual disability, and those who support them.
Identifying whether a website is real, or fake can be challenging.
We've created the ‘CheckNetsafe’ Anti-Scam Tool, which helps you determine the legitimacy of a website or link.
Download our handy guide to stay vigilant and be ready to spot common scams.
