How to Spot Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist Scams in 2025

Published on January 24, 2025 by SureBuy.io Team

Scams on peer-to-peer marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist are becoming more frequent and harder to detect. In 2025, scammers are using smarter tactics — AI-generated messages, fake payment confirmations, and even cloned listings. Whether you’re a casual buyer or a frequent flipper, spotting red flags before handing over cash is more important than ever.

1. Facebook Marketplace Scam Warning Signs in 2025

Facebook Marketplace remains a popular platform for buying everything from furniture to electronics — but it also draws bad actors. Here are the top signs of a scam in 2025:

• Deals that are too good to be true (underpriced high-value items)
• Buyers or sellers refusing to meet in person
• Pressure to pay via Zelle, Venmo, or crypto “before someone else grabs it”
• Listings with vague descriptions and stock images
• Fake Facebook profiles with limited history or no friends

If a listing feels rushed, impersonal, or unusually cheap — treat it with skepticism.

2. Craigslist Scam Tactics to Watch For

Craigslist remains a prime hunting ground for fraud due to its anonymous structure. Be cautious of:

• Code verification scams — A “buyer” asks for a code to “verify you’re real” and uses it to hijack your accounts
• Phantom rentals — Fake landlords asking for deposits on places you haven’t seen
• Shipping scams — Sellers claim they'll ship the item after payment, then disappear
• Fake cashier’s checks — Classic overpayment scams that bounce days later

Never share personal information or agree to wire money before verifying someone’s legitimacy. For more tips, check out our post on 5 Craigslist Scams to Watch Out For.

3. How SureBuy.io's AI Detector Identifies Scams

Instead of trusting your gut alone, SureBuy.io gives you an AI-powered safety check. Just paste the listing’s text into the tool and SureBuy.io will:

• Analyze for scam patterns based on behavior, language, and price discrepancies
• Compare the item’s price to real-world listings and flag deals that are suspiciously low
• Suggest smart follow-up questions you can ask the seller
• Return a scam risk score and pricing fairness assessment instantly

Think of it as a second opinion before your money changes hands.

4. Protecting Your Personal Information When Buying

Scams often succeed when buyers are rushed. Protect yourself by:

• Meeting in public, well-lit locations — preferably near a police station
• Never sending deposits before inspecting the item in person
• Using platform messaging — avoid email or text unless you're sure
• Asking to see photos from different angles to verify legitimacy
• Using cash or secure in-person payments like PayPal Goods & Services

5. What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, take action quickly:

• Report the seller or listing to the marketplace
• File a report with the FTC or your local consumer protection office
• Alert your bank or payment platform
• Leave reviews or warnings to prevent others from falling victim

And next time, run the listing through SureBuy.io before you respond.

Ready to protect yourself on your next marketplace deal? Try SureBuy.io now.

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