How to spot Facebook Marketplace Scam? Best Tips in 2022

With the rise of online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, it’s become easier than ever to find deals on things you need or want. However, as with anything else online, there are always scams lurking around, waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common Facebook Marketplace scams and how you can avoid them. From fake listings to bogus buyers, we’ll help you spot the red flags so that you can stay safe when shopping on Facebook Marketplace.

The Different Types of Facebook Marketplace Scams

There are a few different types of scams that you may come across on Facebook Marketplace. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Fake listings: These are listings that seem too good to be true, often for high-end items at very low prices. The seller may use fake photos and descriptions to make the listing look legitimate, but once you contact them, they will try to get you to pay for the item without ever sending it to you.

2. Bogus transactions: In this type of scam, the seller will agree to sell you an item but will then ask you to pay through an online payment service such as PayPal. Once you send the money, they will block you from their account and you will never hear from them again.

3. Phishing scams: This is where scammers will try to get your personal information such as your name, address, and credit card details by creating a fake listing or message. They may also direct you to a fake website that looks like Marketplace but is actually designed to steal your information.

4. Paying and communicating using other apps: Scammers will attempt to convince you to communicate on a separate platform and make payments outside of Facebook Marketplace. Avoid doing this. While Facebook’s monitoring is generally not a good thing, their Purchase Protection measures can help shield you against Marketplace scams.

5. Upfront payment/deposit scams:  The item you’re interested in is extremely popular, so popular that you’ll need to make a deposit to secure it, a con artist will claim. However, as soon as you submit the money, the con artist will vanish, taking with them your money and any hope you may have had of getting the thing you paid for.

When a buyer offers to pay a deposit, it makes sense (for example, if the buyer needs the item urgently or can’t meet up right away), but when a seller insists, it raises more questions.

6. Mail scams: Some con artists will make an effort to persuade you that having the item mailed to you is in your best interests. They will assert that you will save time and money on gas. However, there’s a chance they’ll substitute it for something useless because you won’t be able to see the item until it arrives.

Driving a great distance to meet with customers can be a hassle. To avoid problems, it’s best to make the trip and purchase the item after seeing it in person. Just make sure you meet the seller in a daylight, well-lit area.

If you are forced to receive the item by mail, ask for a tracking number and only use apps for payment.

If you come across any of these scams, report them to Facebook immediately, and do not give out any personal information or payments.

How to Avoid Facebook Marketplace Scams

When buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams. There are a few key things to look out for that can help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

1. Be wary of anyone who contacts you outside of the Facebook Marketplace platform. If someone sends you a message asking you to complete a transaction off of Facebook, it’s likely a scam.

2. Don’t give out personal information like your email address or phone number unless you are absolutely sure that the person you’re dealing with is legitimate.

3. Meet in a public place to complete your transaction and don’t hand over any money until you have inspected the item and are satisfied with it.

4. Trust your gut! If something feels off about the person you’re dealing with, walk away from the deal.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud on Facebook Marketplace.

How to Report Facebook Marketplace Scams

If you come across a scam on Facebook Marketplace, report it to Facebook immediately. You can do this by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the listing and selecting “Report Listing.”

When you report a listing, you’ll be asked to choose a reason for why you’re reporting it. Select “It’s a scam” from the dropdown menu.

Once you’ve reported the listing, it will be sent to Facebook for review and taken down if it violates our Community Standards.

Conclusion

When using Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams. There are a few key things to look out for that can help you spot a scammer before you get taken advantage of.

First, be wary of anyone who contacts you outside of the Facebook Marketplace platform.

Second, pay attention to the language used in listings and messages – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service if something feels off about a listing or transaction. By following these simple tips, you can avoid becoming the victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam.