Selling items online can be a great way to make extra cash, but scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick unsuspecting sellers. A recent incident on Facebook Marketplace highlights one of the most common and costly scams — the overpayment scam — which could leave victims out hundreds of dollars if they’re not careful.
What Happened
When Gabriel Ackman and his fiancée listed furniture for sale on Facebook Marketplace, they received what seemed like a perfect offer — instant payment for a couch without the buyer even seeing it in person. But that’s when the scam began.
The supposed buyer claimed they were sending money through Zelle. Shortly after, Ackman received an email — supposedly from Zelle — saying his account had been “suspended” because the payment came from a business account. The email instructed him to accept a $500 “verification payment,” then refund the extra $100 once his account was fixed.
At first, Ackman believed the message because he and his fiancée were in a rush to sell their items. But after a moment’s thought, he realized something didn’t add up and stopped communicating with the scammer.
How the Overpayment Scam Works
This type of scam — known as an overpayment scam — is a frequent fraud tactic where a scammer makes it look like they’ve sent more money than they owe. They often back it up with fake screenshots or fraudulent confirmation emails. The victim thinks the surplus has been received and sends back the difference — but the original payment never existed.
Here’s how the scam typically plays out:
Scammer sends a fake payment notification showing more money than agreed.
Victim is asked to refund the difference via a payment app like Zelle.
Original payment never clears, leaving the victim out the refund amount.
In Ackman’s case, he avoided losing money by catching the scam early. But not everyone is that lucky, especially sellers who aren’t tech-savvy or familiar with common scam patterns.
Expert Warnings & Tips
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports overpayment scams are frequently reported to its Scam Tracker, and urges caution when dealing with rushed buyers or requests for refunds.
According to BBB spokesperson Melanie McGovern, reputable buyers and sellers will always give you time to investigate payment methods and plan where to meet. If someone is pressuring you or offering more money than your item is worth just to get you to send back cash — take a moment to stop and think.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling for scams like this, consider these safety tips:
Keep communication within the Marketplace app. Don’t switch to external email or messaging services where scammers can impersonate legitimate companies.
Verify payments independently. Check your actual bank or payment app account before assuming funds have been received.
Meet in person in a public place when possible and exchange cash on delivery.
Report suspicious activity to Facebook, the BBB’s Scam Tracker, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Final Takeaway
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and online marketplaces like Facebook are common targets. The rule of thumb from consumer advocates is simple: never send money to receive money. If an offer seems too good to be true or involves unusual payment requests, it probably is.
By staying vigilant and following safety best practices, you can protect your hard-earned money while still taking advantage of online selling platforms.
