Yes — this is a scam

Is This Facebook Marketplace Cashier's Check a Scam?

A buyer on Facebook Marketplace wants to send a cashier's check for more than asking price. Here's why it's a scam and what to do.

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What the scam looks like

Examples of common scam message patterns. These are composites based on real reported scams, not quotes from specific individuals.

Facebook Marketplace message — example of a common scam pattern

“Hi! I'm very interested in this item. I'll send a cashier's check for $1,200 (I know you're asking $800 — the extra covers the shipping company I use). Just deposit the check and send the difference to my shipper via Zelle. Thanks!”

Follow-up after "payment" — example of a common scam pattern

“Great news, the check has been mailed! Once it clears, please send $400 to my shipping agent at this Zelle address. They'll arrange pickup within 24 hours.”

Why this is suspicious

Offers more than the asking price — no real buyer does this
Requests you send money back via Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer
Cashier's check is fake — it may 'clear' initially but bounces days later
Involves a third-party 'shipper' or 'agent' you've never heard of
Refuses to meet in person or use Marketplace's built-in payment
Creates urgency ('ship today' or 'my movers come tomorrow')
Once the check bounces, your bank holds you responsible for the full amount

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What to do

Never accept overpayment from a buyer — this is always a scam
Never send money to a buyer's 'shipping agent' or any third party
Use Facebook Marketplace's built-in checkout or meet locally with cash
If a check was deposited, contact your bank immediately — do not spend the funds
Report the buyer's profile on Facebook Marketplace
File a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Frequently asked questions

Can a cashier's check from Facebook Marketplace be fake?+

Yes. Fake cashier's checks are one of the most common scams on Facebook Marketplace. They look real and may even appear to clear at your bank initially, but they bounce days later — and your bank holds you responsible for any money you've already sent to the 'buyer.'

Why does the buyer offer more than my asking price?+

Overpayment is the core of this scam. The buyer sends a fake check for more than the item costs, then asks you to send the 'extra' to a shipping company via Zelle or wire transfer. When the check bounces, you lose the money you sent plus the item.

What should I do if I already deposited the check?+

Contact your bank immediately and explain the situation. Do not spend or transfer any of the funds. The check will likely bounce within 5-10 business days. File a fraud report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

How do I sell safely on Facebook Marketplace?+

Meet locally in a public place (many police stations have designated exchange zones). Accept cash or use Facebook's built-in checkout. Never accept checks, money orders, or overpayments. Never ship items to a buyer who hasn't paid through the platform.

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