Safe Online
Marketplace Payments
Buying on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp? These platforms offer little to no buyer protection. TrustProtect holds your payment in escrow until you receive and verify your purchase. If the item is not as described, you get your money back.
No subscription · Works with any marketplace · Sign up in 2 minutes
Common marketplace scams we stop
Millions of Americans are scammed on online marketplaces every year. TrustProtect eliminates these risks.
Payment and disappear
You send money via Zelle or Venmo and the seller blocks you. With TrustProtect, funds are held until you confirm receipt.
Item never shipped
The seller promises to ship but never does. Escrow ensures they do not get paid until you receive the item.
Fake or counterfeit items
The listing shows an authentic item but you receive a knockoff. Inspect before approving payment.
Broken or defective goods
Electronics that do not work, furniture with hidden damage. Test and inspect before the seller gets paid.
Works with every marketplace
TrustProtect is not tied to any platform. Use it wherever you buy or sell online.
Facebook Marketplace
The largest peer-to-peer marketplace in the US — and one of the most scam-prone. TrustProtect adds the buyer protection Facebook does not offer.
Craigslist
No built-in payment system, no buyer protection. Craigslist itself warns against wire transfers. Escrow is the answer.
OfferUp
Local deals and shipped items. OfferUp protection does not cover all transactions. TrustProtect fills the gap.
Mercari
Buying higher-value items on Mercari? Add an extra layer of escrow protection for peace of mind.
Nextdoor
Buying from a neighbor does not guarantee safety. Escrow keeps local transactions professional and secure.
Any online listing
Found something on a forum, Discord server, or Reddit? If you are paying a stranger, use escrow.
How to buy safely on any marketplace
4 steps to scam-proof your marketplace purchase.
Find your item
Browse Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or any platform. Agree on a price with the seller.
Create a TrustProtect transaction
Enter the details and invite the seller. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Pay into escrow
Your payment is processed by Stripe and held securely. The seller sees that funds are locked and ready.
Receive, inspect, approve
Get the item shipped or meet in person. Check it matches the listing. Approve to release payment.
Why smart buyers use TrustProtect
Works with any marketplace
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Nextdoor, Reddit — TrustProtect works with any platform.
Inspect before paying
The seller does not touch your money until you confirm the item is as described.
No more risky Zelle or Venmo
Stop sending irreversible payments to strangers. Escrow is the only safe option.
Scam-proof your deals
Scammers refuse escrow. If a seller will not use TrustProtect, that is your red flag.
Without TrustProtect vs. With TrustProtect
Without TrustProtect
- Send $800 via Zelle for an iPhone — seller blocks you
- Meet with $2,000 cash for a laptop — risk of robbery
- Receive a counterfeit item — no way to get a refund
- Seller ships a broken item — you have no recourse
- Facebook and Craigslist offer zero buyer protection
With TrustProtect
- Funds locked until you verify the iPhone works perfectly
- Cashless in-person handoff — approve from your phone
- Inspect for authenticity before releasing a single dollar
- Open a dispute if the item is defective — get your money back
- TrustProtect adds the protection these marketplaces lack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use TrustProtect for a Facebook Marketplace purchase?+
Yes. TrustProtect works alongside any marketplace. Simply agree on a deal with the seller, then create a TrustProtect transaction and invite them. Your payment is held in escrow until you receive and approve the item. Facebook Marketplace does not offer this level of buyer protection.
Will sellers agree to use escrow?+
Honest sellers welcome escrow because it guarantees they will be paid as soon as you approve. If a seller refuses to use TrustProtect even though payment is guaranteed, that is a strong signal they may be a scammer.
How does this work for in-person Craigslist meetups?+
Create the TrustProtect transaction before you meet. At the meetup, inspect the item thoroughly. If everything checks out, approve the payment from your phone and the seller is paid instantly. No cash needed.
What if the item is not as described?+
Do not approve the transaction. Instead, open a dispute through TrustProtect. If the seller shipped the item, you can request a return. If it was an in-person deal, refuse the item. Your money stays in escrow until the dispute is resolved.
Is this only for expensive items?+
No. TrustProtect supports transactions from $50 and up. Whether you are buying a $50 video game or a $5,000 laptop, escrow protection gives you peace of mind.
How much does marketplace protection cost?+
Fees start at 5.9% + $1 for transactions up to $1,000. For a $500 Facebook Marketplace purchase, the escrow fee would be about $30.50. The seller pays nothing — they get 100% of the agreed price.
Stop marketplace scams before they happen
Next time you buy on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp, use TrustProtect escrow. Your money stays safe until you approve.