Scammed on Facebook Marketplace Yet? Here’s How to Avoid It...

Last week, "Jim" experienced a scam that he never saw coming... and I want to make sure the same doesn’t happen to you.

 

He listed an item on Facebook Marketplace, connected with what seemed like a normal buyer and even helped load the item into their vehicle. But when the buyer handed over a wad of cash, he didn’t realize that the bills were marked “Motion Picture Use Only” and by then the buyer was long gone.

 

It may have looked real and felt real. But it was worthless.

 

Here’s what he wish he’d known... and what you can do to protect yourself when buying or selling online.

 

 

Marketplace Safety Checklist... Before & During the Transaction

 

Before You Meet...

✅ Take photos of the item & the chat... If anything goes wrong, clear photos can help in reports.

✅ Check the buyer’s profile... Is it new? Is it private? Do they have friends, public posts, or reviews?

 

✅ Meet in a public, monitored space... Many police stations, including Madison Police Department offer safe-exchange locations.

✅ Bring someone with you... Safety in numbers.

✅ Confirm payment type... Clarify in advance whether you expect cash, Venmo, PayPal, etc.

 

During the Exchange...

✅ Count the cash... slowly and visibly... Never feel rushed. Fake money often looks real at a glance.

 

✅ Check for markings... Real cash never says “Motion Picture Use Only” or “For Training Purposes.”

 

✅ Inspect bills under light... Look for missing watermarks, faded ink, or inconsistent paper texture.

 

✅ Avoid distractions... Don’t let the buyer distract you during the exchange or loading process.

 

If You’ve Been Scammed

Report it immediately to your local police department. Keep all messages, photos, and contact info.

 

File a report with Facebook Marketplace and IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center).

Share your experience (like this one) to help protect neighbors.

 

 

Stay Vigilant... Madison

We love our local community and Facebook Marketplace can be a helpful tool... but trust and safety must come first. If something feels off, it probably is. Take a moment, double-check and never let someone rush you.