Beware Overpayment Scam in Online Sales

BBB warns about scammers offering more than asking price for items sold online

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:06am

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The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers about a scam targeting those selling items on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. The scam involves buyers offering to pay more than the listed price, then asking the seller to return the overpayment, only for the initial payment to be false and the seller to lose both the money and the item.

Why it matters

This scam takes advantage of people's desire to make a quick sale, and can result in significant financial losses for victims. It highlights the importance of being cautious when selling items online and verifying payments before completing a transaction.

The details

The scam works by the buyer contacting the seller, offering to pay more than the asking price, and then claiming they overpaid due to a policy or mistake. They may say they need the seller to return the extra funds through a digital wallet or other method. However, the initial payment is false - the check will bounce or the online payment will be denied. The seller is then left having lost both the money they returned and the item they sold.

  • On April 5, 2026, the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about this scam targeting online sellers.

The players

Better Business Bureau

A nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing marketplace trust, providing business accreditation, and sharing consumer reviews.

Ohio consumer

A person who reported losing over $2,000 after listing an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace and being contacted by a scammer.

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What they’re saying

“'They had to pay $1,000 to get the account to work and I would then pay them back through Zelle or PayPal,' the consumer reported. The initial payment by the scammer was false.”

— Ohio consumer

What’s next

Consumers should report any suspicious activity to the online marketplace platform where they are selling, and follow the platform's guidelines for safe buying and selling.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying payments and being cautious when selling items online, as scammers are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting sellers. Consumers should be wary of any offers that seem 'too good to be true' and take steps to protect themselves from financial losses.