Avoid These 10 Facebook Marketplace Scams

Facebook, a widely-used social media platform, offers a convenient marketplace for buying and selling goods known as Facebook Marketplace. However, this platform isn’t immune to scammers. Similar to other online marketplaces, Facebook Marketplace hosts individuals disguising themselves as legitimate sellers. Failing to remain vigilant can result in falling victim to these scams.

This guide is for those who currently use or intend to use Facebook Marketplace. Within it, we outline common scams found on the platform and provide strategies to protect yourself from falling victim to them.

01. False Payment Confirmation or The Zelle Scam on Facebook Marketplace

What happens in this scam:

In this scam, if you’re a seller, the scammer poses as an interested buyer and asserts to have completed the payment online, often utilizing platforms like Zelle, which only necessitates the seller’s email address or phone number for payment. They may display a transaction screenshot or send a fraudulent email from Zelle to substantiate the payment transfer.

The email may prompt the seller to upgrade or switch to a Zelle account for a fee to receive the payment purportedly transferred by the buyer. Subsequently, they request reimbursement from you. Additionally, they may utilize payment methods allowing them to reverse the transaction after receiving the product. The individual may also impersonate a Zelle employee to obtain your bank account details.

How to Prevent:

To prevent this scam, ensure that you’ve received the payment in your bank account before dispatching the product. Simultaneously, request the buyer to use payment methods that prevent transaction reversals.

02. Fake Money or Counterfeit Items

What happens in this scam:

In this scam, the Buyer meets you and may pay you with cash, but the currency is counterfeit. Similarly, counterfeit goods are passed off as authentic, but they’re actually first or second copies of the product.

How to Prevent:

Preventive measures involve adhering to government-set checks to detect counterfeit currency. Additionally, thoroughly research any product you’re considering purchasing to determine its authenticity. This diligence will help ensure you’re not deceived by fake goods.

03. Scam Involving Rentals or Venmo

What happens in this scam:

In this scam, scammers create listings for flats or items for rent to attract potential customers. They then request an upfront payment or deposit via Venmo before meeting or confirming the deal. These scammers are persuasive and can gain your trust easily. Once they receive the money, they block you and may even remove their listing.

How to Prevent:

To prevent falling victim to such scams on Facebook Marketplace, it’s crucial to make payments only after meeting in person and inspecting the place or item thoroughly.

04. Stolen Goods

What happens in this scam:

In this scam, you may purchase a product at a significantly reduced price, but it could potentially be a stolen item. If authorities discover the origin of the goods, you could face legal consequences.

How to Prevent:

To prevent involvement in such transactions, it’s advisable to inquire if the seller can provide proof of ownership. Requesting bills or invoices can assist in making a more informed decision and reduce the risk of purchasing stolen goods.

05. Phishing Scams

In phishing scams, perpetrators attempt to steal your sensitive data, such as banking information, or sell it to other scammers. They achieve this by setting up fake websites resembling legitimate platforms for giveaways, payment services, or even Facebook Marketplace. When you interact with these fraudulent sites or provide personal information, your data becomes vulnerable to hacking.

Furthermore, exercise caution if a seller or buyer requests sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial details such as bank account or credit card information.

Preventive Measures:

• Refrain from opening suspicious links. Legitimate links from reputable brands are often concise and straightforward. Check for spelling errors or grammatical inconsistencies on webpages.
• Assess the trustworthiness of websites using platforms like Trustpilot to gauge their credibility.
• If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam, promptly change your password and enhance security measures such as enabling two-factor authentication.

06. Shipping Scam

In this scam, once you’ve paid for a product, the sender claims to ship it. However, shortly after, you receive fraudulent calls from individuals posing as law enforcement or other authorities. They inform you that your shipment is being held due to purported issues and demand additional payment for its release.

Preventive Measures:

• Be aware that the product likely doesn’t exist, and any payments made have likely been taken by scammers. Report such incidents to the authorities promptly.
• To avoid falling victim to such scams in the future, request the sender to provide a tracking number and invoice. This allows you to verify if any shipment has been sent.
• Refuse to make any additional payments beyond the initially agreed-upon amount.

07. Defective, Impaired or Altered Items

What happens in this scam:

In this deceptive scheme, a seemingly high-quality product is showcased on Facebook Marketplace, only to reveal defects or damage upon receipt. In some instances, a completely different item might be received.

How to Prevent:

Preventive measures involve physically inspecting the product by visiting the seller. If this isn’t feasible, request a comprehensive video showcasing all aspects of the product. Ensure the video is captured in adequate lighting and includes a dated object within the frame to verify its authenticity.

08. Deception Through Bait and Switch

What happens in this scam:

This deceptive tactic, while not as severe as others, remains prevalent on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers attract attention by listing items at unusually low prices. However, upon expressing interest, they claim the item has been sold or is no longer available. Instead, they propose a substitute product at a higher price.

How to Prevent:

To safeguard against this ploy, it’s advisable to refrain from pursuing the deal, even for a comparable product. However, if you opt to proceed, exercise caution.

09. Phone Number Fraud

What happens in this scam:

In this scheme, the buyer requests your phone number to transition communication from Marketplace to another texting platform. Subsequently, they may ask for a verification code to authenticate your identity. Providing this code (or OTP) could result in unauthorized access to your bank accounts or compromise of important accounts and information.

How to Prevent:

Preventive measures include refraining from sharing any account-related codes. Additionally, if opting for communication outside of Marketplace, utilize text applications that don’t require a phone number.

09. Fraudulent Claims of Missing Package

In this fraudulent scheme, the buyer, after receiving the product and completing payment, falsely asserts non-receipt in an attempt to secure a refund.

How to Prevent:

To prevent such occurrences, maintain thorough documentation when shipping items, including the shipping/tracking number and invoice. This documentation serves as evidence that the package was indeed dispatched. Additionally, photograph the contents of the package and the packaging process to substantiate shipment.

Additional Tips to Avoid Facebook Marketplace Scams

1. Exercise Caution with “Too Good to Be True” Deals: Approach offers that seem exceptionally advantageous with skepticism. Genuine sellers typically aim for profitable transactions rather than selling at a loss.
2. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics: Scammers might employ fake calls, posing as authorities or representatives from courier services. Prior to divulging any information, verify the legitimacy of the caller’s number against the official website of the relevant company.
3. Stick to Familiar Payment Methods: Opt for payment methods you’re comfortable with and avoid agreeing to unconventional payment methods proposed by sellers.
4. Avoid Interactions with Incomplete Profiles: Prioritize engaging with buyers or sellers who maintain complete and authentic profiles. If a profile appears dubious or lacks sufficient information, terminate further communication.
5. Exercise Caution During Meetings: While arranging in-person meetings can help mitigate risks, exercise caution, and avoid meeting alone or in suspicious locations. Consider bringing a companion along for added safety.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter suspicious listings or potential scams on Facebook Marketplace, promptly report them. By doing so, you contribute to the platform’s safety and help prevent others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Enjoy Your Experience on Facebook Marketplace

While Facebook Marketplace scams are a reality, staying vigilant and discerning can help you steer clear of potential pitfalls. We trust that this guide has equipped you with valuable insights to navigate the platform safely. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments section. Happy shopping!