Protecting Yourself from Facebook Marketplace Scams

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Introduction

If you’re a user of Facebook Marketplace, buying or selling items, it’s crucial to be aware of the various fraudulent schemes and protect yourself from scams. Some Facebook Marketplace scams are laughably obvious (and annoying!) but scammers are getting very sophisticated. So, in this guide, we’ll explore different types of scams and effective ways to avoid falling victim to them. Let’s start with some basics.

Common Signs of Facebook Marketplace Scams

1. Offline Communications

Stay on Facebook for all communications. If a buyer or seller insists on moving the conversation elsewhere, it should raise your antenna.

2. Suspicious Profiles

Be cautious of new Facebook profiles with limited friends or activity or if it lacks a profile picture. Do they have any reviews from previous transactions? Scammers often use fresh accounts to avoid detection. Who opens a Facebook account a month ago and immediately decides to sell three cars in three different states? Probably not legitimate.

2. Payment Red Flags

Watch out for sellers demanding payment through gift cards or third-party apps. In particular, avoid making any deposits to reserve an item, as legitimate sellers won’t typically require this. Some online security advice will caution you against ever paying via an app like Venmo, PayPal or Zelle. That probably isn’t realistic for most consumers. As a basic rule though, only use those payment platforms after you meet the buyer/seller in person and exchange both the product and payment transaction in person. Do not use third-party payment platforms for items that are shipped. And be sure you read through the terms of the payment platforms (especially regarding scams and refunds) because they vary and are constantly changing.    

4. Too Good to Be True Prices

If the listed price seems unrealistically low, exercise caution. Scammers may be offering non-functional electronics or counterfeit items.

5. Prepaid Shipping Labels

Be wary if a seller provides a prepaid shipping label. Legitimate transactions usually involve the buyer arranging and paying for shipping.

6. Personal Information Requests

Avoid sharing your phone number or other personal information unless absolutely necessary.

Let’s dive into a few more specifics about the most common scams and some simple ways to avoid falling victim to them.

Specific Facebook Marketplace Scams and How to Avoid Them

1. Code Texting Scams

Scam: The other party suggests moving the conversation to text message and asks for a code. This one is very common and obvious. Scammers may use this code for various fraudulent activities, such as taking over your accounts or setting up new accounts linked to your phone number.
Avoid: Never forward codes; there’s no legitimate reason to prove your identity this way.

2. Overpayment Scams

Scam: You’ve come to an agreement to sell an item but the buyer wants to send an overpayment for some reason and have you refund the difference. Once the seller refunds the payment, they discover that the original payment is declined, usually because scammers are using stolen credit cards.
Avoid: Decline any overpayments. Use Facebook’s internal payment system called ‘Facebook Checkout’ for secure transactions or use a reputable third-party payment app like Venmo (only after you’ve met the buyer/seller in person).

3. Payment Before Delivery

Scam: You’re asked to send the item before receiving payment.
Avoid: Never agree to pay for an item before you receive it. If urgency is implied, it’s likely a scam.

4. Fake Rental Properties

Scam: Fake listings for rental properties. Scammers often request upfront payments to “reserve” apartments, disappearing once the payment is made. And scammers have gotten particularly good at deceptively marketing properties to consumers who may not be able to view the rental in person. For example, by using information, pictures and videos from legitimate rental postings for properties owned by others. Always view the property in person before any financial commitments.

Avoid: Verify rental listings independently, preferably in person, before providing any personal or payment information.

5. Bait and Switch

Scam: Seller offers a different, often less appealing item after showing interest in another. Or they offer an appealing product at a suspiciously low price and then claim that it is sold, but they have another higher-priced item. This classic bait-and-switch tactic aims to lure buyers with an attractive item and then substitute it with something less desirable or more expensive. Be cautious of unexpected changes in price, product or added shipping fees not mentioned initially.
Avoid: Move on and find the originally desired item elsewhere.

6. Giveaway Phishing Scams

Scam: Fake giveaways to harvest personal information. Online giveaways requesting personal information are often phishing schemes. Legitimate sellers don’t require sensitive data for free item transactions.
Avoid: Never share sensitive information in exchange for free items.

7. Preventing Lost Packages Claims

Scam: Buyers claim non-receipt of items. Scammers may falsely claim non-receipt to get a refund. Always use a reliable shipping method with tracking to protect yourself from such deceitful claims.
Avoid: Use tracking numbers for shipped items to dispute false claims.

8. Fake Payment Receipts

Scam: Scammers may attempt to deceive sellers by providing fake payment receipts. Ensure the use of secure payment methods to receive instant verification and avoid falling for these fraudulent tactics. Avoid: Use secure online payment systems like Venmo (again, only after meeting in person) and insist on instant verifications.

Conclusion

Facebook Marketplace can be a convenient platform, but vigilance is essential to protect yourself from scams. By being aware of common tactics and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself and enjoy a secure buying and selling experience on Facebook Marketplace.

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