A troubling scam is making its way across Facebook Marketplace—and it's targeting users through people they trust most: their friends. Cybercriminals are hacking personal Facebook accounts and using them to post fake Marketplace listings, often offering cars, electronics, or other high-ticket items at prices that seem too good to be true.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts when a hacker gains access to a Facebook account. They then post listings through Facebook Marketplace or personal posts, promoting items such as used cars, designer goods, or home electronics at prices far below market value. Because the listing comes from a trusted friend, victims are more likely to believe it's real and send money before verifying the item—or the person behind the message.

Some common tactics include:

• Claiming the item has already been shipped when it hasn't been.
• Requesting early deposits or using unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers. They will even ask you to send them a picture of the wire documents, which compromises your account information.
• Using strange or out-of-character language in messages that don't sound like your friend.
• Refusing to meet in person or asking to take the conversation outside Facebook.

How to Protect Yourself

Whether buying or selling, you can take steps to avoid becoming a victim:

• Verify Listings from Friends: If a friend posts something for sale, contact them outside of Facebook—call or text to confirm it's real.
• Avoid Early Payments: Never send money before seeing an item in person.
• Be Suspicious of Low Prices: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use Secure Payments: Stick to traceable, secure payment methods—never use gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Watch for Red Flags: Pay attention to strange messages, urgent payment requests, and refusal to meet.
• Report Scams: If you see suspicious activity, report it to Facebook—even if the platform's response is limited, your report helps flag bad actors.

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient tool for local buying and selling, but its popularity has made it a ripe target for scammers. The best defense is staying informed, cautious, and skeptical—especially when the "seller" is someone you know.