Spot the Scam: can you tell a Facebook scam from the real thing?

The 10 messages

Read each message and decide whether it’s a scam, then open the answer.

1. Marketplace message · A buyer

   Hi! Before I come to collect the bike, I just want to make sure you’re a real seller. I’ve sent a code to your phone. Can you read it back to me?

   Show the answer to message 1

   Scam. Real buyers never need a code from your phone. The FTC warns about “buyers” on sites like Facebook Marketplace who ask for a verification code, then use it to take over a phone number or account.

   Signs: Asks for a code sent to your phone · Frames it as “proving you’re real”. Read more: Facebook Marketplace scams.

2. Marketplace message · A buyer

   Is the sofa still available? I could come and look at it on Saturday morning and pay in cash if it’s as described.

   Show the answer to message 2

   Looks genuine. Nothing here is a warning sign. Seeing the item first and paying in person is how most local Marketplace deals work. Still meet somewhere safe and count the cash before you hand anything over.

   Signs: No codes, links or upfront payment · Wants to see the item first. Read more: Facebook Marketplace scams.

3. Email · “Payment service”

   You have received a payment of $450 for your item, which includes $200 extra for the courier. Please refund the extra $200 to the buyer, then click the link below to release your funds.

   Show the answer to message 3

   Scam. This is the overpayment trick. The FTC and Consumer Affairs Victoria both warn about fake payment emails, buyers who “accidentally” pay too much and ask for the difference back, and links to “release” funds. Log in to your payment account yourself: the money won’t be there.

   Signs: Pays more than the price and wants the difference back · Link to “release” your money · Payment you can’t see in your own account. Read more: Facebook Marketplace scams.

4. Messenger · “Meta Support Team” (a Page)

   Your Page has been reported for copyright violations and will be permanently disabled in 24 hours. To appeal, confirm your login details at the link below.

   Show the answer to message 4

   Scam. Meta says scammers create fake accounts and Pages posing as customer support, and create false urgency. Real Page notices appear inside Facebook (for example in Page Status), and Meta says it never asks for your password in an email.

   Signs: Pretends to be Meta support · A deadline to scare you · Asks you to log in through a link. Read more: Account recovery scams.

5. Facebook app notice · Profile status > Marketplace

   One of your listings was rejected because it doesn’t follow our Commerce Policies. See details. Request review.

   Show the answer to message 5

   Looks genuine. This matches how Meta handles rejected listings: you see it inside Facebook, in Profile status, with a free Request review option. Nothing asks for money, codes or a login on another site.

   Signs: Appears inside the Facebook app · Free review option · No payment or password requested. Read more: Marketplace listing not showing.

6. Facebook Dating chat · A match you’ve never met

   I can’t stop thinking about you. I was going to fly over next week, but my visa payment was rejected. Could you send $300 by gift card so I can finally see you? Let’s move to WhatsApp, I’m rarely on here.

   Show the answer to message 6

   Scam. This ticks almost every warning sign in Meta’s Dating Safety Policy: fast declarations of love, a cancelled visit after something went wrong, a request for money or gift cards, and pressure to leave Dating. Meta says any online love interest who asks for money is likely a scammer.

   Signs: Says “love” very quickly · A crisis that needs money · Gift cards · Wants to leave Dating. Read more: Facebook Dating scams.

7. Friend request + Messenger · Your friend Sam (a second profile)

   Hey, it’s Sam! My old account got hacked so I’m using this one now. Quick favour: I’m stuck and need $150 for a train ticket, I’ll pay you back tonight.

   Show the answer to message 7

   Scam. A second profile using a friend’s name and photos, followed by a money request, is the classic fake (“cloned”) account pattern. Check with Sam another way, such as a phone call, and report the profile as pretending to be someone you know.

   Signs: A new profile for someone you’re already friends with · Urgent money request · “I’ll pay you back”. Read more: Someone made a fake account.

8. Comment reply · A stranger

   Saw your post about being hacked. I’m a certified recovery expert and got my client’s account back in 2 hours. DM me, small fee, guaranteed results.

   Show the answer to message 8

   Scam. Nobody outside Meta can get into Meta’s systems to restore an account, and “guaranteed” paid recovery is a common follow-up scam aimed at people who’ve just been hacked. Use Meta’s own free recovery steps instead.

   Signs: Guaranteed results · Fee to “recover” an account · Appears right after you post for help. Read more: Account recovery scams.

9. Group notification · A group admin

   Your post wasn’t approved: please read rule 3 about self-promotion and post again without the link.

   Show the answer to message 9

   Looks genuine. Meta says group admins can decline pending posts and give feedback. This asks for nothing except following the group’s rules.

   Signs: Feedback about a group rule · No link, payment or login requested. Read more: Facebook removed your post.

10. Email · “Facebook Integrity Team”

    Your account has 3 strikes and will be disabled. For a one-time $49 fee our team can remove the strikes today. Reply with your email password to verify ownership.

    Show the answer to message 10

    Scam. Meta’s reviews are free and happen inside Facebook, strikes expire on their own after a year, and Meta says it never asks for your password in an email. Check real notices in Profile status, and real Facebook emails in Recent emails in Accounts Center.

    Signs: A fee to remove strikes · Asks for a password · Threat of losing your account. Read more: Facebook removed your post.