Marketplace buyer & seller traps
Selling on Facebook Marketplace or similar sites? Watch for a "buyer" who sends a code to your phone and asks you to read it back "to prove you're a real seller" — that code sets up a phone account in your name to scam other people. Others "overpay" and ask you to refund the difference, or insist on paying by a method with no protection.
Buying? A deal that's far too cheap, a rental or ticket you can't view in person, and pressure to pay off the platform are the classic signs of a fake listing.
What to do: never share a code you receive. Meet locally in a public place when you can, and pay only through the platform's own protected method — never by gift cards, instant transfer, or a "friends and family" payment that can't be disputed.
Threat examples
Hi, I'm interested in your item! I've been scammed before, so I'm sending a code to your number — just read it back to me so I know you're a genuine seller.
Moving overseas, must sell fast — barely-used item at a fraction of the price. Can't meet in person, but pay by instant transfer now and I'll post it today.