Tennessee, Watch Out: This Facebook Marketplace Scam Is Fooling Sellers Everywhere

A sneaky Facebook Marketplace scam is circulating—and it’s catching even the most cautious users off guard. Scammers are posing as eager buyers, offering quick payments and flexible pickups, but it’s all part of a growing scheme to steal your personal information and potentially access your financial accounts.

What’s worse? These scammers are pretending to be from places like Tennessee, but they’re targeting users across the country.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS NEW FACEBOOK SCAM

How the Scam Works

Here’s the setup: You post something for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and within minutes, you receive a friendly message from someone claiming to be interested. They offer to pay upfront and pick up the item the next day—seems like a dream buyer, right?

But then come the red flags.

The scammer asks if you use Zelle or Venmo. If you say yes, they’ll claim they need your email address to send payment. Some will even send screenshots of fake error messages to trick you into handing it over. Once they have your email, they may attempt to log into your accounts or send phishing links to steal passwords and access personal information.

A Real Example: The “Angela” Scam

A Facebook user recently shared their experience with a scammer using the name “Angela,” who commented on their public post claiming she was interested in buying a couch. She asked the seller to message her directly, saying the listing looked “pending.”

They started chatting via Messenger, and everything seemed normal—until Angela asked for the seller’s Venmo email, claiming a technical error prevented her from completing the payment.

But that’s not how Venmo works. If someone has your username, they don’t need your email. That request is a major red flag.

To test the situation, the seller gave her a fake email: (bigdaddyscamscams@hotmail.com). Unsurprisingly, the scammer disappeared.

How to Protect Yourself

If you use Facebook Marketplace, keep these tips in mind:

• Never share your email or login info for payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.
• Don’t trust screenshots of “payment errors.” Scammers fake them to trick you.
• Always complete transactions in person when possible—cash in hand is safest.
• Use the app directly to verify usernames and payments—don’t rely on messages or outside links.
• Be skeptical of urgency. Scammers often rush you with “I’ll pay now, pick up tomorrow” tactics.

This scam is spreading fast, and it’s hitting local sellers hard. If something feels off, trust your gut. Block, report, and move on.

Stay safe out there, Tennessee—and if “Angela” messages you, tell her Big Daddy Scams said hi.

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