Tools · Spotting scams

Buying and selling online without getting scammed

On Marketplace, Craigslist and similar sites, buy from people you can meet, see the actual item, and pay in a way you can dispute. Selling? Take cash in person, never accept a check for more than your price, and never share a verification code.

Easy15 minFreeChecked October 3, 2026

You'll need

The site's own help page on refunds and buyer protection
A public place to meet, like a police station lot

What to know

Buying: read the site's rules first. Some marketplaces leave payments, returns and refunds entirely to buyer and seller; others will help if an item never arrives. Check the policy, and note any short window to claim a refund. Source: FTC¹
Buying: check the seller and the photos. Read recent buyers' comments, not just stars, since some reviews are fake. If you see only stock photos, you can't check the item's condition or be sure the seller has it. Source: FTC¹
Buying: be suspicious of a low price on an expensive item. It might be fake. Source: FTC¹ Get answers to your questions in writing and keep copies. Source: FTC¹
Buying: pay with something you can dispute. A credit card has legal protections. Source: FTC¹ Avoid sellers who insist on gift cards or money transfers, since some payment types can't be refunded (Zelle's video below says the same).
Selling: take cash, in person. Many sites recommend selling to a local buyer you meet in person and only accepting cash. Source: FTC² Don't accept a mobile payment from someone you don't know. Source: FTC²
Selling: never take a check for more than your price. The "overpay and send back the difference" trick uses a fake check; the bank takes the money back weeks later. Source: FTC² See Fake check and overpayment scams.
Selling: never share a verification code. A "buyer" who wants to prove you're real by sending you a Google Voice code is trying to set up a number tied to your phone to scam others. Source: FTC³
Meet safely. Meet in a busy, well-lit public place, bring someone, and don't give out your home address. Many police departments have a marked spot in their lot for online sales.

Watch out Fake payment notices: a "buyer" sends a screenshot or email saying they paid and hopes you hand over the item before you notice. Or they claim they paid twice and want a refund. Source: FTC² Open your own app and check the balance before anything changes hands.

Red flags

Buyer or seller says…	Why it's a flag
"I'll mail you a check for extra, send me the rest"	Classic fake check overpayment. Source: FTC²
"Send me the code I just texted you"	Google Voice verification code scam. Source: FTC³
"Pay with gift cards" or "wire it"	Payments you can't get back.
"I paid twice, refund me one"	The first payment may not be real. Source: FTC²
Only stock photos, price far below others	May not have the item, or it's fake. Source: FTC¹

A reply to a pushy buyer

Thanks for your interest. I only sell for cash, in person, at the police station lot on Main. Let me know a time that works.

Asking a seller for proof

Before I drive over, can you send a photo of the item next to a piece of paper with today's date and my name on it?

See it done

Video by WDIV Local 4 Detroit, with Consumer Reports Local TV news

How to Buy and Sell on Marketplace Safely

Watch on YouTube: Consumer Reports: How to buy, sell on Facebook Marketplace safely

Full title on YouTube: “Consumer Reports: How to buy, sell on Facebook Marketplace safely”Checked October 3, 2026

Heads up: this Detroit TV piece with Consumer Reports is mostly about meeting up safely. For paying and getting paid, follow our steps; they match the FTC’s advice.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Sold something and the payment vanished? Report the buyer to the marketplace and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Source: FTC²
Bought something that never came? Use the site's refund process if it has one. Source: FTC¹ If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your card company.
Gave out a Google Voice code? Follow Google's steps to reclaim your number. Source: FTC³

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Why "cleared" doesn't mean good

Banks must make deposited money available quickly, usually within two days, but it can take weeks to find out a check was fake. Source: FTC²

Take it with you

Printable card Download card (PDF)

Sources

Federal Trade Commission Buying from an online marketplace
Federal Trade Commission Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam
Federal Trade Commission The Google Voice scam: how this verification code scam works

Lesson T4.5 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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