Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace have made it easier than ever to buy and sell items locally. But alongside that convenience comes an increased risk of scams, with fraudsters becoming more sophisticated in how they target unsuspecting users. In “How to spot a Facebook Marketplace scam,” Lifetime Retirement Income explains the common warning signs to look out for and how these scams typically operate.
From fake listings and pressure tactics to unusual payment requests, the article outlines practical ways to recognise when something is not quite right. By understanding how these scams work, you can take simple steps to protect yourself and avoid unnecessary financial loss.
You can read the original article here: How to spot a Facebook Marketplace scam.
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You spot it while scrolling late one night. The extremely hard to find Christmas present your grandchild has been begging for.
You message the seller who replies instantly. It feels like your lucky day.
But is it?
For thousands of New Zealanders each year, what begins as an exciting online bargain ends in frustration, financial loss, and broken trust. Facebook Marketplace has become one of the country’s most popular places to buy and sell second-hand goods, but it is becoming a tool for scammers too.
In 2025, 33% of New Zealanders were scammed by online shopping, the National Cyber Security Centre reports. This translates to a whopping $1.6 billion in losses for these Kiwis and Facebook Marketplace can be one of the places this happens.
Most Marketplace scams start in ordinary ways. A listing appears with an unusually low price. The photos look professional. The description sounds friendly and believable.
But once contact is made, the scammer works quickly to build confidence. They may be polite, responsive, and reassuring. They might claim they’re moving house or leaving the country. But soon, small warning signs appear.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
In other cases, it’s the buyer that’s the scammer. They pretend to overpay, then ask for refunds, sending fake payment confirmations. They request verification codes sent to your phone, claiming it’s part of the process.
Once money or personal information is handed over, the scammer disappears with your details.
1. Using gift cards. Scammers ask for payment in gift cards because they are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.
2. Shipping scams. Victims receive fake tracking numbers or are told their parcel is ‘delayed’ repeatedly until communication stops altogether.
3. The ‘bait-and-switch’ scam. This is when the item delivered is broken, fake, or completely different from what was advertised. Sometimes, nothing is delivered at all.
4. Phishing scams. These use links that look legitimate but lead to fake websites designed to steal passwords and banking details. Verification code scams allow criminals to hijack and drain your bank accounts and use them to target new victims. Don't share verification codes with anyone.
Each method is designed to look believable and to make victims feel responsible when something goes wrong.
If you think you’ve been scammed, the most important thing is to act quickly.
Talk to someone you trust. Being scammed can feel embarrassing, but staying silent only benefits the scammers.
Taking a cautious approach, trusting your instincts and knowing the red flags can help you avoid scams and shop with greater confidence. Because protecting your money is not just about how you spend it, it is also about keeping it safe from those who may try to take advantage.
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