How to Spot Facebook® Marketplace Scams
Facebook® Marketplace is a great place to buy and sell almost anything you can imagine, from furniture to electronics. However, with its vast reach comes a growing number of scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Knowing the most common scams and how to avoid them can help keep your transactions safe. Here are some of the top scams on Facebook Marketplace and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Payment Scams
Scammers often try to trick buyers and sellers into using payment methods that make it difficult to recover money. Here are some common payment scams:
• Gift Card Scams: Scammers ask buyers to pay with gift cards, which are nearly impossible to trace once used.
• Venmo®, Cash App®, and Zelle® Scams: Fraudsters might ask you to send money through these apps for a deposit on a rental property or to purchase an item, only to disappear once they have your money.
• Overpayment Scams: A buyer sends more money than required and asks you to return the difference. However, the original payment is fake, leaving you out of pocket.
• Advance Payment Scams: These scams involve requesting an upfront payment for an item or service that will never be delivered.
How to Avoid: Use only secure payment methods like PayPal® or Facebook's own payment system, Meta Pay®. Avoid paying with gift cards, and never send money before receiving the item.
2. Product and Inventory Scams
These scams involve selling fake, stolen, or non-existent items.
• Bait-and-Switch Scams: You purchase one item, but receive something different, often of lesser value.
• Shipping Scams: Scammers might sell you an item and then never ship it, or they might ask you to pay for a shipping label that prevents you from tracking the package.
• Fake or Stolen Items: Scammers may offer items far below market value or in suspicious quantities, which could be fake or stolen goods.
How to Avoid: Always meet in person to inspect the item before buying. If that's not possible, ask for multiple photos and videos — even requesting they add a sticky note with today's date in all the photos and videos.
3. Social Engineering Scams
These scams manipulate users into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
• Phishing Scams: Scammers send messages pretending to be a legitimate service asking for personal information like passwords or credit card details.
• Fake Giveaway Scams: These scams lure you into clicking links that install malware or steal your information by pretending you've won a prize.
• Verification Code Scams: Scammers ask for a verification code sent to your phone, which they can then use to access your accounts.
How to Avoid: Communicate only through Facebook Messenger, never click on unknown links, and don't share personal information with strangers.
4. Rental Scams
Rental scams are common on Facebook Marketplace, where scammers post fake rental listings.
• Fake Listings: Scammers post properties that don't exist or belong to someone else, asking for deposits or viewing fees.
• No-Lease Rentals: Scammers offer rentals with no lease requirements, appealing to those with low credit scores, but the property is often non-existent.
How to Avoid: Always visit a property in person before making any payments and confirm ownership or legitimacy through public records or a trusted realtor.
How to Protect Yourself
• Meet in Public: Always meet in a well-lit, public location and bring someone with you.
• Check Profiles: Look for signs of fake accounts, like newly created profiles or profiles with little activity.
• Stay on Facebook: Use Facebook Messenger for all communication and stick to Facebook-approved payment methods for added security.
• Report Scams: Report suspicious activity to Facebook and relevant authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
While Facebook Marketplace offers many opportunities for buying and selling, it's essential to stay vigilant and informed. By understanding common scams and taking precautions, you can navigate Facebook Marketplace safely and protect yourself from fraud.
References: 14 Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For | 17 Facebook Marketplace scams to avoid in 2024
