Does PayID require a business upgrade fee?

No. PayID is a free service. Any email claiming you must pay money to 'release' a PayID payment is a phishing scam designed to steal your funds.

Should I give my email to a Marketplace buyer?

No. They don't need your email for a standard Facebook transaction. They only want it so they can send you a fake PayPal or PayID alert.

What is the safest way to get paid on Marketplace?

Cash on pickup is the gold standard for local deals. If using digital payment, ensure the money is in your bank account before handing over the item.

Marketplace Checker

Verify Marketplace buyers and sellers before you deal.

Facebook Marketplace is a hotspot for PayID scams, overpayment fraud, and fake shipping requests. Check the buyer's message before you let a 'local' deal turn into a global scam.

Security Insight

Marketplace scams rely on the lack of built-in payment protection. Scammers use fake payment receipts and high-pressure stories about 'family emergencies' or 'work travel' to skip in-person inspections.

Identifies PayID 'Business' scams

Spots fake courier pickup stories

Protects your personal bank info

Analyze a Message Now Marketplace Safety

How to spot a Marketplace Scam

Scammers follow a very predictable script on Facebook. Watch out for these specific red flags during your transaction.

The PayID 'Business Account' trap

A buyer claims they sent the money but you need to pay a 'refund fee' to upgrade your account to receive it. This is 100% a scam.

The 'Brother' or 'Courier' pickup

The buyer says they are busy and will send someone else to pick up the item, then asks for your email to send a fake payment confirmation.

Asking for your Phone Number or Email

Scammers want to move you off Facebook's protected chat to text or email so they can send you fake receipts and phishing links.

The 'Overpayment' refund request

A buyer sends a fake screenshot showing they 'accidentally' paid too much and asks you to refund the difference via a separate app.

What IsThisSpam checks before you trust a sender

Quick verdicts are useful, but the real value is understanding why something looks safe, uncertain, or risky.

Brand-new profile

If a buyer or seller has a profile created this year with zero friends and no other Marketplace history, treat them with extreme caution.

Refusal to meet in person

Legitimate local buyers usually want to see the item. Scammers always have a reason why they can't come themselves.

Price is too good to be true

A late-model car or a brand-new iPhone listed for 50% of its real value is a lure for a deposit scam.

Requests for 'Insurance' fees

Any request to pay for 'shipping insurance' or 'courier fees' upfront for an item you are selling is a fraud attempt.

Related guides

Use the checker for the fast answer, then read the deeper guidance for recurring scam patterns.

Facebook Scam Checker

Broader guide for Facebook and Messenger scams.

Read the guide

Gumtree Scam Checker

Verify buyers on other Australian classified sites.

Read the guide

FAQ

These are the questions people usually ask right before they click, reply, or pay.

Got a screenshot or attachment? Our AI can analyse it.

Free scan first, deeper analysis when you need it

Check the sender before you trust the message.

Start with a fast scan, then move to SuperScan when the message involves money, account access, or sensitive documents.

Analyze a Message Now Marketplace Safety