Facebook Marketplace is the busiest classifieds site in America. It's also where most private-sale scams happen. None of this is hard to avoid if you have a small playbook before you list.

Before you list

• Take real photos in good light. Show defects honestly.
• Write a 3-sentence description: what it is, condition, and what's included.
• Set a fair, firm price. "OBO" invites lowball offers.
• Add your terms: cash or Zelle/ACH only, in-person at a public location, no shipping.

Talking to buyers

• Don't share your phone number until they've committed to a time.
• Beware of buyers who ask to "pay extra to ship" or want to use weird third-party escrow links.
• If they ask to send a code to verify you're real — that's a Google Voice scam. Block them.
• Real buyers ask normal questions: "Is it still available?", "Can I see it tomorrow at 10?"

The handover

• Meet during daylight at a public spot — many police stations have designated exchange zones.
• Bring a friend if it's a higher-ticket item or you've got a weird feeling.
• Confirm the payment cleared. Cash: count it. Zelle/ACH: see it in your account.
• Hand over the item only after payment is confirmed.
• Sign a quick bill of sale on your phone.

The "done" moment

This is the one most people skip. After the deal:

• Take a photo of the signed bill of sale.
• Mark the listing as Sold.
• Save the buyer's name, phone, and the bill of sale in one place.
• If it was a titled item (vehicle, trailer), file with the DMV that day.

Red flags

• "I'll send my driver to pick it up"
• "My check will be for more than the price — can you refund the difference?"
• "Send me your bank info / SSN / DL upfront"
• "Click this link to confirm shipping"
• "I'm out of town, let me PayPal you"

Related

• Bill of sale guide (template included)
• Write and send a professional quote (fast)

Note: Practical guide only. Not legal advice.