Facebook Marketplace has become lots of people’s go-to platform for buying and selling items within their local community, and it’s easy to see why. With no hidden fees, an easy-to-use messaging system, and a ready-made user base, it feels like the fastest way to clear out unwanted possessions or pick up a bargain or two.
Unfortunately, however, Facebook Marketplace is also infamously rife with fraudulent activity. So whether you're buying or selling, it’s essential to know the risks and take steps to protect yourself from some of the commonest scams.
Scams to watch out for:
Non-delivery scams: Here, scammers post fake listings, collect payments, and then disappear without delivering the item advertised—often high-value products such as electronics or jewellery.
Fake payment confirmations: Scammers may pretend to send payments using platforms such as PayPal. Always check your account directly to confirm the payment before handing over any goods.
Counterfeit or faulty items: Items sold at unusually low prices may be counterfeit or damaged. Always inspect high-value items like electronics or designer products in person before buying.
Overpayment scams: A buyer may offer to pay more than the asking price and request a refund of the difference. In these cases, the initial payment is often fake, and the seller ends up out of pocket.
Tips for staying safe
Inspect items in person: Before completing a transaction, meet in person to inspect the item, especially if it’s high value. Always meet in a public, well lit area, and bring a friend if you can.
Use secure payment methods: Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are hard to trace. Use services such as PayPal, which offer some protection in case of fraud.
Check seller and buyer profiles: Look for red flags such as newly created accounts, no reviews, or profiles with incomplete information. A trustworthy seller will often have a history of past transactions and positive feedback.
Keep communication within Facebook: Scammers often try to move the conversation off Facebook Messenger to avoid detection. Stay on Facebook, where the platform can monitor conversations and provide evidence if something goes wrong.
Be sceptical of unrealistic offers: Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. Don’t rush into transactions, especially if the seller is pushing for immediate payment.
Reporting scams
If you believe you’ve been scammed, report the user and listing directly to Facebook. Use the “Report” function found in the seller’s or buyer’s profile, and provide all relevant details to help with the investigation. You can also dispute payments through services like PayPal to potentially recover your funds.
The safest way to use Facebook Marketplace? Don’t use it at all
Finally, while there are ways to protect yourself from scams on Facebook Marketplace, the truth is that the safest option of all is to avoid using it altogether. The platform’s convenience is unfortunately matched by the frequency of fraud, and even with precautions, there’s always an especially high risk of being targeted.
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