Common Scams on Facebook Marketplace and How to Avoid Them

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling everything from electronics to home goods. However, with its growing popularity, it has also become a hotspot for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Understanding common scams on Facebook Marketplace can help protect you from falling victim. Here are some of the most frequent scams to watch out for, along with tips to stay safe.

1. Bait-and-Switch Scam

Scammers will often post desirable items at low prices to lure potential buyers. Once interest is shown, they may switch to a different, often inferior item or suddenly increase the price.

• How to Avoid: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Ask questions about the item and request additional photos if the listing is vague.

2. Overpayment Scam

In this scam, the buyer “accidentally” overpays for an item and asks the seller to refund the difference. The original payment often turns out to be fraudulent, leaving the seller with no payment and having refunded real money.

• How to Avoid: Only accept payment through secure methods, and never agree to refund overpayments. If someone overpays, wait for the payment to clear fully before taking action.

3. Fake Payment Confirmation

Scammers send fake payment confirmations or emails to convince the seller that they’ve paid. After the seller sends the item, the scammer disappears without making a legitimate payment.

• How to Avoid: Always verify payments directly through your payment platform. Don’t rely on email confirmations—log into your account to confirm the transaction.

4. Advance Fee Scam

This scam involves buyers or sellers requesting a deposit or full payment upfront for high-value items like cars or rental properties. Unfortunately, the item either doesn’t exist or doesn’t match the description.

• How to Avoid: Never send money upfront for items you haven’t seen or for transactions where the seller cannot verify the item exists. Meet in person or request a secure method of payment.

5. Phishing Scams

Scammers often send links that direct you to fake websites designed to steal personal information or install malware. These sites might look legitimate but are meant to trick you into providing sensitive data.

• How to Avoid: Be cautious about clicking on links, especially if they seem suspicious. Verify URLs and never input personal or payment information unless you are certain the site is secure.

6. Counterfeit Goods

Products like electronics or designer items are offered at suspiciously low prices and turn out to be counterfeit or of low quality.

• How to Avoid: If the price seems too low, it’s probably fake. Research the seller and ask detailed questions about the item. Look for reviews or feedback on their profile.

7. Rental Scams

Scammers post attractive rental listings and ask for payments upfront, but the property either doesn’t exist or isn’t actually available for rent.

• How to Avoid: Never pay for a rental before viewing the property in person. Research the property address and confirm that the listing is legitimate.

8. Gift Card Scams

Some scammers ask for payment in the form of gift cards. Once you provide the card details, the scammer uses or resells them, leaving you without your money or item.

• How to Avoid: Never pay for items using gift cards. Stick to secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, like PayPal.

9. Verification Code Scams

Scammers will ask you to share a verification code sent to your phone, which they can use to hijack your account or commit identity theft.

• How to Avoid: Never share verification codes or personal information with anyone. These codes are meant for you only and should be kept private.

Tips to Avoid Facebook Marketplace Scams

• Meet in Person: If possible, always meet in a public place, such as a police station parking lot, to complete the transaction.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: PayPal offers buyer protection that can be beneficial for online transactions. Avoid cash for high-value purchases.
• Check Profiles: Take a close look at the seller or buyer’s profile. New accounts, generic photos, or a lack of personal details can be red flags.
• Be Skeptical of Unbelievable Deals: If the price is significantly lower than the market value, it’s likely a scam.
• Stay on Marketplace: Avoid moving the transaction off Facebook Marketplace, as scammers often request to continue on other platforms or ask for non-secure payment methods.
• Verify Identities: If you’re suspicious, ask for a video call or a mutual connection to verify the person.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Facebook Marketplace has tools to report users who seem suspicious or engage in scammy behavior.

While Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform for buying and selling, it’s crucial to stay vigilant to avoid scams.