Scam category
Marketplace fraud
Marketplace fraud usually mixes urgency, off-platform payment pressure, and fake proof of payment. This page groups the marketplace scams already tracked inside OpenScam.
Category activity
“Facebook Marketplace scam”
↑ 13%Watch for
- The other side pushes you off-platform before the deal is safe.
- Screenshots are used as proof instead of real account balances or in-app notices.
- A refund, extra payment, or courier story appears at the last minute.
Common searches
OpenScam News Feed
Marketplace payment reversal scam
A buyer on a marketplace uses fake payment confirmation, overpayment stories, or refund pressure to get goods without completing a legitimate payment.
Only trust the actual payment app or bank balance, not screenshots.
Casual sellers
U.S.
Zelle business account upgrade scam
A buyer sends a fake payment email claiming the seller must upgrade to a business account by refunding extra money first.
Trust only the balance shown inside your actual bank or payment app.
Casual sellers
U.S.
Overpayment refund marketplace scam
A buyer says they sent too much by mistake and pressures the seller to return the difference before the original payment settles.
Do not send money back until the original payment is final and visible.
Casual sellers
Global
Fake shipping insurance buyer scam
A buyer says a courier requires insurance or verification fees before pickup and asks the seller to pay first.
Decline third-party shipping payments arranged entirely by the buyer.
Casual sellers
Global
Porch pickup gift card scam
A buyer claims a relative will pick up the item and asks the seller to include gift cards or cash for reimbursement.
Keep local sales simple and refuse add-on financial errands.
Casual sellers
Global
Marketplace rental deposit scam
A fake landlord advertises a good rental deal on a marketplace and pushes for a deposit before any real viewing or lease.
Never send a rental deposit before a verified viewing and lease.
Renters
Global
Fake escrow release marketplace scam
A seller insists on a private escrow site that mimics a trusted payment service and claims funds are protected there.
Use only major payment tools or in-person transactions you can verify.
Collectors
Global
Resale ticket screenshot scam
A seller lists concert or sports tickets and sends screenshots or PDFs that have already been sold or were never valid.
Buy through official resale tools that transfer tickets in-platform.
Fans
Global
Pet adoption deposit scam
A listing for a rare pet asks for transport, vaccination, or hold fees before the animal can be seen.
Avoid deposits for pets that cannot be verified in person or through trusted rescues.
Families
Global
Concert ticket transfer scam
A seller offers mobile tickets at a good price, then uses fake transfer screenshots or a fake ticketing email to make the buyer pay quickly.
Use only the official ticketing transfer flow and avoid rushed peer-to-peer ticket payments.
Fans
Global
Puppy rehoming deposit scam
A buyer sees a believable pet listing and is asked to send a deposit for transport, paperwork, or holding the animal before any verified handoff exists.
Never pay for a pet you cannot verify in person or through a legitimate adoption organization.
Families
Global
Vehicle history report payment scam
A supposed car buyer refuses to proceed until the seller purchases a vehicle report from a specific site controlled by the scammer.
Do not buy a report from a site chosen by the other party in a private sale.
Drivers
Global
Fake shipping protection escrow scam
A marketplace deal moves to a fake escrow or shipping-protection service that asks the buyer to release funds before delivery is verified.
Use only the platform's native checkout or a payment method with real buyer protection.
Buyers
Global
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