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Facebook Marketplace has been in operation since 2016. Alongside genuine users engaging in buying and selling through the app, scammers are also taking advantage of its potential. Research indicates that in 2021, 17% of users encountered Facebook marketplace scams, with an alarming rate of six fake accounts being created every minute.

However, a potential buyer or seller needs some perspective because one billion people access this tool monthly.

What is a Facebook Marketplace Scam?

Scammers use a variety of techniques on this Facebook platform. They pretend to sell goods and services that don’t exist along with transactions ending up in a delivery scam, or a phishing scheme targeting potential buyers. Scammers are also fond of the bait and switch, and ‘selling’ an expensive item for a low price.

In Q2 2022 alone, Facebook tackled 1.4 billion bad accounts. That makes marketplace scams too common.

Read on so you can stay safe, only deal with other legitimate users, and spot the red flags.

How to Avoid Scams on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has some protections in place. However, there are risks, just like any peer-to-peer site. Here are a few things that you can do to avoid a bad sale or purchasing a counterfeit or defective item on the site.

1. You can Google the seller’s email address to see if it has been used for fraud in the past.
2. If you’re renting watch out for multiple listings and multiple photos of the same property listed on different websites.
3. Car scammers will try to forge documents from eBay’s vehicle protection program to use on Facebook.
4. Watch out for sellers who refuse to meet you in person.

Be Aware of These Common Facebook Marketplace Scams

There are bad actors that can victimize you or a family member. The following list covers several of the biggest issues, but these aren’t the only ones.

Facebook Marketplace Zelle Scams

This Zelle app lets the buyer or someone selling send money between banks in just minutes. There are no background queries here. You just need a receiver’s email address and phone number.

Scammers use fake screen captures and documentation to entice victims to send refunds. A crook might ask you to upgrade an account first. Contact Zelle to verify.

Facebook Marketplace Shipping Scams

Scammers ask that buyers pay for the item, shipping costs, and insurance. They can even send a fake invoice for the money. Once they get the payment, the crook will disappear.

Watch out for this one when the transaction is by mail. Remember, shipping on Facebook is covered. Other peer-to-peer methods aren’t.

Facebook Marketplace Buyer Scams

There are numerous buyer scams that aim to take your money. Some scammers may request that you make payments outside of Facebook. It’s important to note that payments made through Facebook Checkout and PayPal are protected.

To read reseller reviews, you must use the Android or iPhone app, as they are not accessible via a mobile browser or computer. If someone agrees to all the terms in your listing without asking any questions or negotiating, it could indicate that there are facebook marketplace scams happening.

Facebook Marketplace Car Scams

Facebook users highlight several scams they immediately report. Like asking for a deposit and then supplying a fake address when it’s time to meet up.

Get the car inspected first. Check The Kelley Blue Book or other trusted online platforms for price. You can even contact the Federal Trade Commission for a vehicle history report.

PayPal Facebook Marketplace Scams

You need to be careful even when using trusted payment methods. Scammers try to get you to use PayPal’s friends and family payment option. That’s outside of the company’s purchase protection policy.

You can wind up with a defective or fake item from the seller. Without the company’s protection, crooks have the payment, and they are gone.

Facebook Marketplace Phone Number Scam

Scammers respond to one of your listings here. They want to be sure you’re a real person, and your account is credible. Crooks wants your phone number to text a verification code. They ask you to reply with the code on the platform you listed the product on. Here’s what’s really going on.

The scammer is creating a Google Voice number, and they can finalize the account setup once you send them the code. With that information, the scammer is able to establish new accounts in your name.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller you don’t need to give out personal information like your phone number.

Facebook Marketplace Overpaying The Seller Scams

The buyer uses a stolen credit card. They pay the seller more than was asked for. Then they request a partial refund. The victim returns the overage amount but the original payment gets declined by a bank. The money never goes into the seller’s account. But they have to pay it back nevertheless.

The solution is easy. Decline any overpayments.

Listing Fake Rentals

Facebook users need to watch out for this scam if they’re looking for an apartment or other type of rental. Some fake listings use misleading pictures. Other scammers adopt bait and switch rental prices. Some scammers charge illegal fees for things like background checks.

Always tour the property to avoid this type of problem.

Fake Giveaways

Fake cryptocurrency giveaways getting posted on a crook’s profile lay a trap for this scam. Victims click on a link, malware gets downloaded, and hackers can get access to bank accounts and other information. Watch out for any links from sellers listing things that are too good to be true.

Inconsistent Pricing

Sellers change the price of an item on Facebook messenger after you’ve communicated with them. It’s also a sign that you might be dealing with a fake website.

Beware of inconsistent sellers. Changing the price is a big warning sign.

Lost Packages

Tracking information is the best way to avoid a lost package scam. Sellers can use a tracking number to dispute nondelivery claims. Buyers can use the same information since it will report exactly when the delivery should happen.

Broken and Bootleg Items

Users need to beware. You might think you’re getting a Gucci bag, but you could wind up with counterfeit items unless you’re careful. Meet the seller in a well-lit place. Inspect the item to make sure it’s not broken. Be aware of really low prices from any seller.

Unusual Payment Requests

When selling or buying on the portal, it’s important to use specific methods for exchanging money. Facebook Checkout and PayPal are recommended options. However, avoid using the friends and family payment option on PayPal. Additionally, steer clear of other payment methods like wire transfers, and always remember not to pay for anything in advance to protect yourself from facebook marketplace scams.

Paying in Advance

Crooks will try to get you to pay upfront. A crooked seller will try to convince you that’s the way to prove you’re serious. Buyers should beware of anyone who asks for the money upfront. Make sure to meet a seller in a public place so you can inspect the product

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Facebook Marketplace

If you’ve been scammed, contact local law enforcement. Then go to the website to make a claim by following the steps and on-screen instructions. Remember, there are also purchase protection policies that complement any report.

Here are the steps.

• Select settings from the drop-down menu.
• Select Facebook pay and then payment history.
• You can click on the order on which you want to make a claim.
• Once you fill out a form on the site, you’ll get an email in response.

You can also report a seller or any buyers that have scammed you. You should report seller problems so their user ratings are affected. Buyers can view their own ratings on their Commerce profiles.

Should you give your number on Facebook Marketplace?

It’s not advisable. Whether you are buying or selling, sharing personal information is unnecessary. Remember, in most cases, you are dealing with complete strangers. Exercise the same caution you would on other platforms, such as Craigslist or eBay, especially when considering Facebook marketplace scams.

How can you know if a Facebook Marketplace buyer is legit?

Legitimate buyers don’t ask for additional money. If they even ask for an extra small fee, it’s a red flag. Take a look at their profile to make sure it’s credible. High-quality photos are a good indication a buyer is reputable.

Will Facebook refund your money if you are scammed?

Facebook suggests you get in touch with the seller first. If things don’t go well with them, you’ll need to supply proof of return to get a purchase protection refund.

How safe is Facebook Checkout?

Credentials and payments are kept encrypted and secure. Activity is secured on your profile unless you choose to share it. Here are some of the commerce eligibility requirements.

Can you be scammed on Facebook Marketplace?

There is always the chance that you can be scammed on this site. But there are some tips that can keep you safe from counterfeit funds, shipping scams, and other problems with payment issues.

We’ve covered a lot of what you need to watch out for. And what you need to do when you’ve been a victim. Start out by making sure you’re in the right place. Look through the appropriate menu and then tap on the marketplace icon to get information.

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Image: Envato Elements

This article, “14 Facebook Marketplace Scams You Should Know About” was first published on Small Business Trends