Is a Facebook Marketplace buyer who wants to overpay a scam?
Almost certainly. Offering to pay more than the listed price and asking you to refund the difference is a classic overpayment scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
On Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms, scammers pose as buyers who offer more than the asking price — usually with a plausible explanation like including shipping costs. They send a fake payment confirmation or a cheque that initially appears to clear, then ask you to forward the excess amount before the original payment bounces or is reversed.
Other variants involve sending a fake PayPal or bank notification screenshot and asking you to ship the item immediately. By the time the payment failure is discovered, the item has been sent and any 'refund' already paid. Cash or verified payment received in person before handing over goods is the safest approach for marketplace sales.
Common red flags
- Buyer offers more than the listed price unprompted
- Explanation involves shipping agents or complicated logistics
- Payment appears to arrive before you've agreed terms
- Request to forward the excess amount to a third party
- Urgency to ship before the payment is confirmed by your bank
- Communication moves off-platform to WhatsApp or email
What to do now
- Do not send any money back as a 'refund' before full payment has cleared
- Verify payments in your bank account directly — not from a screenshot or email notification
- For high-value items, insist on cash or in-person verified payment
- Report the buyer to Facebook Marketplace
- If you already sent money, contact your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
The PayPal confirmation email looks genuine. Is it safe?
Scammers send convincing fake PayPal emails. Verify all payments by logging into your PayPal account directly — never trust an email or screenshot alone.
Is it ever legitimate to receive an overpayment?
Genuine buyers don't overpay and ask for refunds. If payment exceeds the agreed amount, decline or return it in full through the original payment method, and treat any explanation with suspicion.