Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places to buy and sell used furniture. It is also one of the easiest places for scammers to operate. The mix of high demand, fast transactions, and limited oversight creates an environment where fraud is common.

This guide explains the most common Facebook Marketplace furniture scams, how to spot red flags quickly, and what to do instead so you can buy or sell furniture safely.

Are Furniture Scams Common on Facebook Marketplace?

Yes. Furniture scams are common on Facebook Marketplace because transactions often happen between strangers without built-in protections.

Scammers take advantage of urgency, low prices, and off-platform payments to steal money, personal information, or both.

Why Furniture Listings Attract Scammers

Furniture listings are especially attractive to scammers for a few reasons.

• Furniture is bulky and expensive to ship, which creates excuses for delays.

• Buyers often rush when they see a good deal.

• Sellers may accept risky payments to move items quickly.

These factors make furniture an easy target for fraud.

Common Facebook Marketplace Furniture Scams

Below are the most frequent furniture-related scams and how they work.

1. Fake Payment Confirmation Scams

In this scam, a buyer claims they have sent payment through Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App. They send a screenshot as proof and pressure the seller to release the furniture.

The payment never actually arrives.

Red Flag

Payment screenshots instead of confirmed funds in your account.

Fix

Never release furniture until you verify payment directly in your bank or payment app.

2. Overpayment and Refund Scams

A buyer sends more than the asking price and asks for a refund of the difference. Later, they reverse the original payment, leaving you out the refunded amount.

Red Flag

Anyone overpaying for used furniture.

Fix

Do not send refunds until payments fully clear and remain settled.

3. Gift Card Payment Scams

Scammers ask buyers or sellers to accept payment in gift cards, claiming it is easier or faster.

Once the gift card code is sent, the scammer disappears.

Red Flag

Requests for gift cards of any kind.

Fix

Never use gift cards as payment for furniture transactions.

4. Fake Shipping and Pickup Scams

A buyer sends a prepaid shipping label or claims a courier will pick up the item after payment. The label is fake or redirected, or payment never exists.

Red Flag

Buyers insisting on using their own shipping service.

Fix

Use in-person pickup whenever possible or trusted delivery services you control.

5. Bait and Switch Listings

A seller advertises a high-quality couch or table, but delivers a damaged or completely different item.

Red Flag

Stock photos, vague descriptions, or refusal to show additional photos.

Fix

Request real photos and inspect furniture in person before paying.

6. New Accounts Selling High-Value Furniture

Scammers often create new Facebook accounts to list expensive furniture at unrealistically low prices.

Red Flag

New profiles with few friends, no reviews, or limited activity.

Fix

Check seller history, reviews, and other listings before engaging.

7. Deposit and Holding Fee Scams

A seller asks for a small deposit to hold furniture. After receiving the payment, they disappear.

Red Flag

Requests for deposits before you see the item.

Fix

Do not send deposits for used furniture listings.

Signs a Facebook Marketplace Furniture Listing Is Legitimate

Not every listing is a scam. Legitimate sellers usually:

• Communicate clearly and answer questions

• Provide real photos of the furniture

• Agree to meet in public or allow inspection

• Accept standard, traceable payment methods

Trust your instincts if something feels off.

How to Stay Safe When Buying Furniture on Facebook Marketplace

Follow these best practices to reduce risk.

• Use Facebook Messenger for all communication

• Meet in public or well-lit locations

• Inspect furniture before paying

• Avoid high-pressure tactics

• Use payment methods with protection

What to Do If You Get Scammed

If you believe you were scammed:

• Stop communicating with the seller or buyer

• Report the account to Facebook Marketplace

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately

• Document all messages and transactions

Quick action improves your chances of recovery.

Why Many Sellers Choose a Safer Alternative

Selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace can work, but it requires time, screening buyers, and constant risk management.

Many sellers prefer platforms that reduce scams, eliminate payment risk, and handle logistics more reliably.

How Reperch Helps You Avoid Marketplace Scams

Reperch offers a safer alternative to peer-to-peer furniture sales.

Instead of negotiating with strangers, sellers can list quality furniture through Reperch and connect with verified local buyers. This reduces exposure to fake payments, no-shows, and fraud.

For buyers, Reperch provides curated listings with clearer expectations and fewer risks than open marketplaces.

Final Thoughts on Facebook Marketplace Furniture Scams

Facebook Marketplace can be useful, but furniture scams are common and costly. Knowing the red flags and applying simple fixes can protect your time, money, and personal information.

For many people, choosing a more structured marketplace is the smarter move.

A Full-Service Option Beyond Online Marketplaces

Reperch is part of Remoov, the only full-service decluttering solution in the United States that helps people sell, donate, and recycle items in one pickup.

Instead of dealing with risky Marketplace transactions, Reperch helps sellers move furniture safely and responsibly while keeping usable items out of landfills. It is a simpler, safer way to move on from furniture you no longer need.