5 Common Facebook Marketplace Scams To Know in 2023

Facebook Marketplace operates as a virtual store right in your neighborhood, offering opportunities to buy and sell items conveniently. It's a fantastic platform for finding affordable treasures or parting with unwanted possessions. However, similar to online shopping, caution is paramount, as scammers can lurk in the digital shadows.

Here are five common tricks scammers employ on Facebook Marketplace that you should be aware of:

1. Shipping Scams: Beware of scammers who promise to send you an item after receiving payment or claim they'll pay you once they've received your item. Unfortunately, they often fail to deliver on their end of the bargain. To safeguard yourself, never pay in advance or dispatch your item until you've received payment.

2. PayPal Scams: While PayPal is a legitimate payment method, some scammers might ask you to use the "friends and family" option, which lacks buyer protection. This can leave you vulnerable to purchasing fake goods without any recourse for getting your money back.

3. Car Scams: Be especially cautious when considering car purchases. Some fraudsters request a deposit to hold a car and then vanish, leaving you without both the car and your money.

4. Fake Buyers: Deceptive buyers might pledge payment later but fail to follow through. Others may feign interest in your item but have ulterior motives, such as robbery during the meetup. To ensure your safety, meet in public places with plenty of people around or opt for locations near police stations.

5. Fake Sellers: Scam artists posing as sellers may offer counterfeit or defective items. Always inspect items before finalizing a purchase to confirm their authenticity and functionality.

Anyone using Facebook Marketplace is susceptible to falling victim to these scams. However, individuals who are less familiar with online scams, such as younger and older users, may be more vulnerable.

Should you encounter a scam on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to report it. Here's how:

Reporting a scam from a buyer:

1. Navigate to "Marketplace" in the menu.
2. Click on "Your Account."
3. Locate your listing and access the messages with the buyer.
4. Select "Report Buyer" and follow the provided instructions.

Reporting a scam from a seller:

1. Go to "Marketplace" in the menu.
2. Access the seller's listing.
3. Click on the seller's profile name.
4. Choose "Report" and specify the reason for your report.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the report.

Be vigilant for red flags, such as deals that seem too good to be true, requests for wire transfers, or insistence on using gift cards as payment. Always verify the authenticity of a rental property before sharing personal information. Additionally, take note of the seller's phone number and be cautious about Google Voice numbers, which could indicate potential scams or a bait-and-switch tactic employed by the seller. As a Facebook user, stay informed about common scams and how to avoid them to ensure a safe and secure shopping experience on Facebook Marketplace.