Scam warning
Fake Shipping Fee
On sites like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, a scammer asks you to pay a “shipping” or “insurance” fee before you get your item or your money. There is no item, and no money.
Also called: Marketplace scam, Shipping insurance scam, OfferUp scam
The one thing to remember
Meet in person in a safe public place, and pay or get paid only when you have the item in hand.
How it happens
- You list something for sale, or find a great deal.
- The other person can't meet in person and wants to ship it.
- They ask you to pay a shipping fee, or send you a fake email saying you must pay to “unlock” their payment.
- Once you pay, they disappear.
Warning signs
- Being asked to pay a shipping fee before you get tracking information.
- Shipping costs that are much higher than normal.
- Being asked to pay with Zelle, Cash App, wire transfer or gift cards.
- A new account with no reviews.
- Emails that look like they're from Zelle or PayPal saying you must pay to receive money.
What to do
- Keep all messages and payments inside the app.
- Meet in a busy public place. Many police stations have safe exchange spots.
- Never pay a fee to receive money. That's not how it works.
- Report the account to the website.
What it looks like
Real examples of this scam. Yours may look a little different.
Last checked: October 31, 2026