If you’re selling an item on Facebook Marketplace, especially something valuable like a car, beware of a clever scam designed to frustrate and wear sellers down. This scam preys on your patience and tries to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. Here’s how it works, based on a real experience:
The Scam in Action
- Flooded with Messages
Once you post your item for sale, you’ll get a ton of messages, often from accounts with foreign names or generic profiles. These messages range from ridiculously low offers to overly eager responses like, “I’m very interested,” or “Can I come now?” - No-Show Appointments
You respond to the messages and set up appointments for potential buyers to come and view the item. However, they never show up. This happens repeatedly, with one no-show after another. - The Real Goal
After exhausting your time and patience, the scammer’s endgame is for someone to finally show up. By this point, you’re so fed up with the no-shows and time-wasters that you’re more likely to accept a lowball offer just to get the deal over with.
How to Protect Yourself
- Vet Buyers Carefully
Before agreeing to an appointment, ask potential buyers to confirm specific details about their interest. Genuine buyers will often provide clear answers and follow through with arrangements. - Stick to Your Price
Don’t let frustration force you into accepting an unfair offer. Stay firm on the price you’ve set, especially if you know your item’s value. - Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of accounts with incomplete profiles, vague communication, or overly enthusiastic interest without solid follow-through. Many of these accounts tend to have foreign names, which may be another indicator of a potential scam. - Use Multiple Platforms
Consider listing your item on several platforms to increase visibility and attract more serious buyers.
My Experience
While selling my white 2011 Citroën DS3, I encountered this exact scam. Overwhelmed with messages, most of which came from accounts with foreign names, I set up numerous appointments, only for every single buyer to ghost me. It became clear that this was a calculated effort to wear me down. Thankfully, I caught on quickly and didn’t fall for it.
Spread the Word
This scam is frustrating but easily avoided if you stay alert and patient. By sharing this, I hope to save others from the same hassle. If you’ve experienced this or know someone selling on Facebook Marketplace, let them know to keep their guard up.
Stay safe and happy selling!
