Facebook Marketplace Scams Ontario: 12 Facebook Marketplace Scam Red Flags in Ontario (and How to Spot Them Before You Pay)

The fastest way to spot a Marketplace scam is to look for pressure, prepayment, and pictures that do not match the seller. If a seller asks for an e-Transfer deposit before you see the item, refuses a public or in-person inspection, or has a brand-new profile with a price far below market value, treat the listing as high risk.

Why Marketplace Scams Are Rising Across the GTA

Ontario has one of the most active Facebook Marketplace communities in Canada. Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa and London all see thousands of new furniture, appliance and electronics listings every week. Scammers follow volume, so the busiest cities attract the most fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre regularly warns that online marketplace and e-Transfer fraud are among the most reported consumer scams. The good news: nearly every scam follows a predictable pattern.

The 12 Red Flags

1. The Price Is Too Good to Be True

A $2,000 sectional listed at $150 is bait. Compare against similar listings in your city before you message.

2. The Seller Asks for a Deposit Before You See the Item

Legitimate sellers do not need an e-Transfer to "hold" a fridge. Never prepay for something you have not inspected.

3. The Profile Is New or Empty

Check when the account was created, whether it has friends, and whether it has a selling history. A profile created last week with one listing is a warning.

4. The Seller Refuses to Meet or Show the Item

Any seller who will only communicate by text, refuses a video call, or cannot send a photo of the item next to a handwritten note is suspicious.

5. The Photos Look Like Stock Images

Run a reverse image search. Scam listings reuse photos from retailer sites or other cities.

6. The Story Changes

First the seller is moving, then deployed, then out of the country. Inconsistent stories are a classic sign.

7. They Push You Off Marketplace Messenger

Requests to switch to WhatsApp, email or text immediately often precede a payment scam.

8. Overpayment or "Courier" Schemes

If a buyer offers more than the asking price and asks you to send the difference to a "shipper", it is a fraud.

9. Fake e-Transfer Confirmations

Some scammers send a screenshot of a pending e-Transfer. Only release an item after funds appear in your own banking app.

10. Urgency and Pressure

"Three other people are coming in an hour" is a pressure tactic designed to stop you from thinking.

11. Address Is a Vacant Lot or Doesn't Exist

Look up the pickup address on a map before you travel.

12. Verification Code Requests

If a "buyer" asks you to read back a Google Voice or SMS verification code, they are trying to hijack your account.

Safe Pickup Habits for Ontario Buyers

- Meet in a well-lit public location or use a police Safe Exchange Zone where available - Bring a friend, especially for high-value items - Test the item before you pay - Use cash or an e-Transfer only after inspection - Tell someone the address and your expected return time

A Safer Way to Collect Large Items

For furniture and appliances, the safest approach is often to remove yourself from the handoff entirely. GoGedit drivers pick up from the seller, confirm the item matches the listing, and deliver to your door, so you never travel to a stranger's home with cash. See how it works on our [request a delivery page](/request-delivery) or read our [Facebook Marketplace pickup service answer](/answers/facebook-marketplace-pickup-service).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to send an e-Transfer on Facebook Marketplace?

Only after you have inspected the item in person. e-Transfers are instant and generally irreversible.

What should I do if I was scammed on Marketplace in Ontario?

Report it to your local police non-emergency line, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, your bank, and Facebook.

Can a delivery service protect me from Marketplace scams?

A professional pickup service verifies the item at the seller's location before it is moved, which removes the risk of travelling alone with cash.