Reddit Scam Pattern
Facebook Marketplace seller fraud and phishing attempts
3 reports · first seen 13 July 2026 · last seen 15 July 2026
Scammers target Marketplace sellers through fake buyer profiles, Meta impersonation messages, and pressure to use unprotected payment methods such as CashApp. Approaches range from off-platform payment diversion to PDF-based phishing disguised as account-appeal notices.
How the scam works
Social-engineering via Marketplace messaging combining off-platform payment redirection, authority impersonation, and credential-phishing PDFs.
Brands impersonated
Member posts on Reddit (3)
- [US] Is there any valid reason for someone not wanting to use PayPal or eBay, or is it always a scam?
US buyer questions why a Facebook seller insists on CashApp over PayPal G&S for a $150 camera purchase, correctly identifying it as a likely scam.
reddit · 14 July 2026 · shopping_scam
- [CAN] Marketplace Scam? Help
A Marketplace seller received a fake 'Meta AI' message with a PDF claiming she needed to submit an appeal for normal selling activity.
reddit · 13 July 2026 · phishing
- Am I getting scammed on FB marketplace?
A first-time Facebook Marketplace seller is approached by a buyer acting through a third party, using a one-day-old private profile, and attempting an off-platform payment method.
reddit · 12 July 2026 · shopping_scam