You know you're adulting when your excitement shifts from clubbing to finding a dining table with “rustic charm” on Facebook Marketplace—only to find out the only rustic thing was how they scammed your money.
In this publication, we're uncovering a sneaky Facebook Marketplace scam that’s tricking even the most careful buyers. If you're buying or selling anything online this season, you’ll want to read this.
Buy Now, Get Scammed Later: The Fake Zelle Business Account Trap
Scammers are impersonating Zelle to trick Marketplace users into “upgrading” their accounts—forcing them to send extra money they’ll never see again. It’s a fresh twist on an old con, and it’s spreading fast.
How It Works:
- 🛋️ The Setup: A seller lists a popular item—think PS5 or patio furniture—at a great price.
- 💬 The Pitch: The buyer (you) agrees to pay using Zelle.
- 📩 The Twist: You get an email, seemingly from Zelle, saying you need to upgrade to a business account to complete the transaction.
- 💸 The Catch: The “upgrade” requires you to send an extra $300. The seller assures you it’s just temporary—and promises to Zelle the extra back.
- 🕳️ The Vanish: You send the $300. No item arrives. The scammer disappears, along with your money.
Who’s Targeted:
• Everyday Facebook Marketplace users—especially those looking for discounted electronics, furniture, or seasonal items.
• Users who prefer Zelle for fast payments.
• Buyers who are unaware Zelle doesn't require any upgrades for personal transactions.
Real-Life Example:
Bentley University professor and scam expert Steve Weisman explained how scammers are mimicking Zelle emails to convince buyers to pay extra:
“They say you need to upgrade your Zelle account by paying $300 more. The seller says, ‘That’s fine, I’ll refund you the $300’—but you never see that money again.”
It’s eerily similar to the age-old check scam: overpay, refund the difference, and later realize the original check was bogus.
Why You Should Care:
• You could lose hundreds of dollars instantly—without ever receiving the item.
• Fake emails may trick even savvy users who aren’t looking closely at sender addresses.
• Sellers can fall victim too—especially with fake overpayment or refund requests.
Whether you're buying a blender or selling a bike, this scam can affect you.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Zelle doesn’t charge upgrade fees—ever. If you’re asked to pay more, it’s a scam.
• Double-check email addresses—spoofed emails often use lookalike domains.
• Refuse overpayments or odd refunds—they’re a major red flag.
• Use cash or meet in person when possible for local Marketplace deals.
• Report suspicious activity to Facebook and your payment provider immediately.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip: Did you know Zelle is strictly for payments between people who trust each other? It doesn’t offer purchase protection.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, pause the transaction. Scammers rely on urgency and panic to get you to act fast.
Update: Facebook Marketplace continues to be a hotbed for fraud. Consumer watchdogs urge users to avoid digital payments unless you personally know the seller.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords
- Zelle: A peer-to-peer payment platform with no buyer protection features.
- Spoofed Email: A fraudulent email that mimics a legitimate one to trick the recipient.
- Facebook Marketplace: A popular platform for local buying and selling, often targeted by scammers.
- Overpayment Scam: A con where scammers send extra money and ask for a refund before the initial payment bounces.
- Business Account Scam: A scheme where scammers pretend a user must upgrade their payment app account to complete a transaction.
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