I Got Scammed on Facebook Marketplace, What Can I Do?
"I got scammed on Facebook Marketplace, what can I do?"... If this is you, you won't be alone in this experience. Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling second-hand items. However, it has also become a breeding ground for scammers.
If you find yourself in a situation where you've been scammed on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to know what steps to take to protect yourself and potentially recover any losses.
Do these three things, in this order, and do the first one now:
- Call your bank. Say the words "authorised push payment fraud" if you sent a bank transfer. Speed genuinely matters — money can sometimes be stopped or recalled if the receiving account has not yet emptied.
- Report it to Action Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 if you are in Scotland. You will get a reference number your bank may ask for.
- Report the listing and the account to Facebook, which does nothing for your money but can stop the next person.
If you paid by bank transfer, you may still be reimbursed. UK rules require banks to reimburse victims of authorised push payment fraud in most circumstances — a protection many people do not know they have, and never claim.
At a glance
- Report the fraud to
- Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
- On Marketplace
- Report the seller & listing
- If you paid by card
- Ask your bank about a chargeback
- If you shared bank details
- Read our safety guide
Start here. If money has actually left your account, the bank comes first and everything else waits — your liability is capped at £35 for anything before you report it, so the clock is what protects you.
🛡️ Build your recovery plan
Tick what applies to you. The order below is deliberate — most of these organisations will ask for your Action Fraud reference number, so doing it in this sequence saves you making the same call twice.
Nothing ticked yet — the steps below are the ones that apply to everyone. Tick a box above to add the rest.
- 1
Report it to Action Fraud and get your crime reference number
Action Fraud — the national reporting centre for fraud
- Onlinereportfraud.police.uk
- Phone0300 123 2040
Do this second, and do it before you contact anyone else. Almost every organisation in this list — lenders, credit reference agencies, debt collectors — will ask for the crime reference number Action Fraud gives you, and without it you end up making the same call twice. It also creates the official record you'll rely on if you have to dispute anything later. Expect an update within 28 working days, though that's about the investigation, not about clearing your name; that part is on you and starts now.
Have ready: What happened and roughly when · Any account or reference numbers involved
- 2
Get all three credit reports and read every line
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
- Experian0800 013 8888
- Equifax0800 014 2955
- TransUnion0330 024 7574
All three, not one. Lenders report to different agencies, so a fraudulent account can sit on one file and be invisible on the others — checking a single report is the most common way people miss the second and third account. You're looking for accounts you didn't open, searches you didn't authorise, and addresses linked to your name that you've never lived at. That last one matters more than it sounds: a linked address you don't recognise is often how the fraud was set up in the first place.
Have ready: Your addresses for the last six years
- 3
Add a CIFAS protective registration
CIFAS — the UK fraud prevention service
- Onlinecifas.org.uk
- Phone0330 460 9601
This puts a warning flag against your name in the National Fraud Database, so member organisations run extra identity checks before granting credit in your name. It costs £30 and lasts two years. It does not affect your credit score, and it doesn't touch accounts you already hold — but it will make your own applications slower, which is the trade-off. If someone has your details, that's usually a trade worth making. Note that not every application is checked against the database, so treat it as a strong deterrent rather than a lock.
- 4
Check you're on the electoral register at the right address
Your local council
A quick one that's worth doing while you're here. The electoral roll is one of the main ways lenders confirm you live where you say you do, and being missing from it both weakens your own applications and makes it easier for someone to claim your identity elsewhere.
- 5
Escalate if you get nowhere
Financial Ombudsman Service, or the ICO
- Financial Ombudsman0800 023 4567
- ICOico.org.uk
If a bank refuses to refund you, or a lender won't remove an entry it has accepted is fraudulent, complain to the firm first and give it eight weeks. After that — or as soon as you get a final response — take it to the Financial Ombudsman. It's free and its decisions bind the firm. Where the argument is specifically about inaccurate data staying on your credit file, the Information Commissioner's Office can also look at it. Both routes cost you nothing.
- 6
Close the door behind you
You
Change passwords on your email account first, not your banking — email is the master key, because it's where password resets land. Turn on two-factor authentication wherever it's offered. If documents were lost or stolen, report the passport or driving licence to the issuing body so it can be flagged. And set a reminder to re-check your credit reports in three months: fraudulent applications sometimes surface long after the original breach.
Contact details and process reflect Action Fraud, CIFAS, the credit reference agencies and National Debtline guidance for England and Wales. Scotland reports fraud through Police Scotland on 101 rather than Action Fraud; the rest of the process is the same. General information, not legal advice — free, independent help is available from National Debtline, Citizens Advice and StepChange.
Key takeaways
- Stay calm and collect evidence, including messages, payment receipts, and product descriptions.
- Report the scam to Facebook using the platform's reporting feature, including the evidence you've collected.
- If the scam involves significant financial loss or potential criminal activity, contact your local authorities (the police) and provide them with evidence.
- Take steps to protect your personal information if it's been compromised, including changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
I Got Scammed on Facebook Marketplace, What Can I Do?
If you've been scammed on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and try to resolve the situation. Here's what you can do:
- Report the Scam Item: Access the item listing on your screen. Beside the buyer's name, select "see more." Choose the ellipsis (the three dots). Opt for "report buyer." Select "scam" and proceed to follow the on-screen instructions for filing the report.
- Contact the Seller: First, reach out to the seller via the Messenger feature on Facebook Marketplace to enquire about the transaction and express your concerns. Sometimes, there may have been a misunderstanding.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with the seller, including messages, product descriptions, and any payment receipts. This documentation can be essential if you need to report the scam.
- Check Payment Method: If you've made a payment, review the payment method you used. If it was a credit card or a platform like PayPal, consider reaching out to them for potential dispute or chargeback options.
- Report the Seller: On Facebook Marketplace, report the seller by going to the seller's profile or the specific listing and selecting "Report." Provide as much detail as possible about the fraudulent activity.
- Block the Seller: Block the seller to prevent further contact or potential scams.
- Leave a Review: Leave a review on the seller's profile to warn others about your negative experience. Honest reviews can help protect future buyers.
- Report to Facebook: If the issue is not resolved or you believe the seller's account is involved in a broader scam, report the issue to Facebook through their Help Centre.
- File a Police Report: In serious cases, where there's significant financial loss or if you believe you've fallen victim to a criminal scam, consider filing a police report.
- Educate Yourself: Learn from the experience and become more vigilant about potential scams on online marketplaces. Be cautious when dealing with offers that seem too good to be true.
- Protect Your Personal Information: If you've shared sensitive information, consider taking steps to protect your identity and prevent further scams or fraud.
While these steps can help in many cases, it's important to remember that scammers can be difficult to trace, and recovering lost funds may not always be possible. Prevention is often the best defence against scams.
Always exercise caution, and if a deal seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, it's better to walk away than to risk being scammed.
Stay Calm and Gather Evidence
Discovering that you've been scammed can be distressing, but it's crucial to stay calm and gather as much evidence as possible.
Start by documenting all the interactions you've had with the scammer.
Take screenshots of conversations, payment receipts, and any other relevant information. This evidence will be valuable when reporting the scam to the appropriate authorities or platforms.
Report the Scam to Facebook
The first step in addressing the issue is to report the scam to Facebook. This helps alert the platform to fraudulent activity and can prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
To report a scam on Facebook Marketplace, follow these steps:
- Locate the specific listing or user profile associated with the scam.
- Click on the three dots (...) or "More Options" link, typically found at the top right of the post or profile.
- Select "Report this listing" or "Find support or report" from the drop-down menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to provide details about the scam.
Remember to include any evidence you've gathered to support your report. Facebook will investigate the report and take appropriate action against the scammer if necessary.
Contact Local Authorities
If you've suffered a significant financial loss or believe that a crime has been committed, it's vital to report it to the relevant authorities.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, fraud is reported to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, online at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report it directly to Police Scotland on 101.
Provide them with all the evidence you've collected. They can log the crime, guide you on next steps, and pass intelligence to the police.
Inform Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you made a payment to the scammer using a bank transfer or a payment platform, such as PayPal, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Explain the situation and provide them with all the relevant details.
They may be able to freeze the transaction or initiate a chargeback to recover your funds. Most UK banks are also signed up to the mandatory reimbursement rules for authorised push payment (APP) scams introduced in October 2024, so if you were tricked into sending a bank transfer it's worth asking your bank whether you qualify for reimbursement.
Acting swiftly is crucial to increase the chances of a successful resolution.
If a scammer has obtained your banking details, read our guide on whether it's safe to share your sort code and account number, and what to do if someone is using your name and address fraudulently.
Protect Your Identity
In cases where scammers have obtained personal information, such as your date of birth, address, or financial details, it's essential to take steps to protect your identity. Consider the following measures:
Change your passwords
Update passwords for all your online accounts, especially those linked to your financial information.
Enable two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication where available.
Monitor your accounts
Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and other online accounts for any suspicious activity.
Consider identity theft protection
If you're concerned about potential identity theft, consider subscribing to an identity theft protection service that can monitor your personal information and alert you to any unauthorised use.
Learn from the Experience
Being scammed can be a valuable learning experience. Take the time to reflect on what happened and identify any red flags or warning signs that you may have missed.
This knowledge will help you avoid similar scams in the future and protect yourself while using online marketplaces.
Spread Awareness
One way to fight against scams is to spread awareness and educate others about the risks involved. Share your experience with friends, family, and online communities.
By raising awareness, you can help others recognise and avoid potential scams on Facebook Marketplace.
Stay Vigilant and Trust Your Instincts
While Facebook Marketplace can provide great opportunities for buying and selling, it's essential to stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true or something feels off about a buyer or seller, proceed with caution.
Trust your gut feelings and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Seek Legal Advice if Necessary
If you've suffered significant financial losses or experienced severe emotional distress due to the scam, it may be wise to seek legal advice. Consult with a solicitor who specialises in fraud or consumer protection law.
They can provide guidance on potential legal remedies and help you assess your options for recovering your losses.
Can you get your money back if scammed on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes, contacting your bank for advice is a prudent step to take if you've been scammed or suspect fraudulent activity related to a financial transaction. Your bank can provide valuable guidance and assistance in various situations:
-
Unauthorised Transactions: If you've experienced unauthorised transactions or unauthorised access to your bank account, promptly contact your bank to report the issue. They can help investigate and potentially reverse the unauthorised charges.
-
Fraudulent Payments: If you've made a payment to a scammer, your bank may be able to assist in disputing the transaction, especially if it was made using a credit card or a secure payment platform like PayPal. They can initiate a chargeback process to recover the funds.
-
Identity Theft: If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, such as in cases of scams involving identity theft, your bank can advise you on steps to protect your financial accounts and identity.
-
General Financial Advice: Banks often have fraud departments or customer service representatives who can offer guidance and advice on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud in the future.
Can I report a facebook scammer to the UK police?
Yes, you can report a Facebook scammer to the police in the UK. Contact Action Fraud (or Police Scotland if you're in Scotland), the reporting route for fraud and cybercrime, to report the scam and seek guidance on the next steps.
It's also worth reading up on other common frauds, such as the IPS delivery scam, so you can spot the warning signs early.
Promote Safe Practices on Facebook Marketplace
Finally, to contribute to a safer online community, promote safe practices on Facebook Marketplace. Encourage others to verify the authenticity of sellers, meet in person for transactions whenever possible, and conduct thorough research before making a purchase.
By fostering a culture of safety and awareness, we can collectively mitigate the risks of scams on Facebook Marketplace.
Remember, if you've been scammed on Facebook Marketplace, you're not alone.
By taking the appropriate actions and seeking support, you can navigate through the situation and prevent future scams. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect yourself while enjoying the benefits of online marketplaces.
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a seller's authenticity on Facebook Marketplace to avoid scams?
To verify a seller on Facebook Marketplace, carefully review their profile for completeness and any suspicious activity. Check for reviews or feedback from previous buyers, conduct an internet search on the seller's name, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
What should I do if I suspect I'm being scammed on Facebook Marketplace?
Cease communication with the seller, report the activity to Facebook, and provide detailed evidence. Notify your bank or payment provider and seek advice on safeguarding your financial information.
Is it possible to recover money lost to a Facebook Marketplace scam?
Document all relevant information and report the scam to Facebook and local authorities. Consider disputing the transaction with your bank or payment provider, but manage expectations as successful recovery may not always be possible.
