5 Scams To Beware Of On Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling items locally and nationwide with shipping. While it offers convenience and a wide variety of products, it’s also a breeding ground for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, being aware of common scams can help you protect yourself from falling victim. Here are five scams to beware of on Facebook Marketplace:

1. Fake Payment Confirmation Scams

One of the most common scams on Facebook Marketplace involves fake payment confirmations. Scammers posing as buyers may send a fake email or screenshot showing that they’ve paid you through PayPal, Zelle, or another payment service. The email or screenshot might look legitimate, but no payment was actually made. After receiving the fake confirmation, the scammer will pressure you to ship the item immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify payment directly through your payment app or bank account before shipping any items.
• If a buyer insists on quick shipping before you’ve confirmed payment, it’s a red flag.

2. Overpayment Scams

In overpayment scams, the scammer will send you a check or payment for more than the agreed-upon amount and ask you to refund the difference. For example, if you’re selling an item for $100, they might send a check for $500 and claim it was a mistake. They’ll then ask you to refund the $400. Once you’ve refunded the money, the original check bounces, leaving you out of pocket.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never accept payments for more than the agreed amount.
• Be cautious with checks, as they can take days to clear, and by then, it might be too late.

3. Fake Listings and Bait-and-Switch

Scammers often post fake listings for high-demand items like electronics, designer goods, or vehicles at prices that seem too good to be true. Once a buyer shows interest, the scammer may ask for a deposit or full payment upfront, claiming the item will be shipped or delivered later. In reality, the item doesn’t exist, and the scammer disappears with your money.

Another version of this scam is the bait-and-switch, where the seller posts pictures of a high-quality item but delivers a cheap or damaged version instead.

How to Protect Yourself:

• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Insist on meeting in person and inspecting the item before making any payment.
• Avoid paying upfront, especially for high-value items.

4. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams on Facebook Marketplace involve scammers sending you a message or link that looks like it’s from Facebook or a legitimate payment service. These messages often claim there’s an issue with your account, a payment problem, or offer a deal that requires you to log in. When you click the link and enter your credentials, the scammer gains access to your account.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be wary of unsolicited messages or links asking for personal information or login credentials.
• Always navigate directly to the official website by typing the URL in your browser rather than clicking on suspicious links.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Facebook account for added security.

5. Shipping Scams

Shipping scams are particularly common when selling items on Facebook Marketplace. In this scam, a buyer will ask you to ship the item to an address different from the one associated with their payment method. They might claim they’re buying the item as a gift or that they’ve recently moved. Once you ship the item, the buyer disputes the transaction with their payment service, claiming they never received it, and you lose both the item and the payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always ship items to the address associated with the buyer’s payment method.
• Use tracked and insured shipping to protect yourself in case of a dispute.
• Be cautious if a buyer is insistent on changing the shipping address after payment.

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient way to buy and sell items, it’s very important to be vigilant and aware of the common scams that can occur. By staying upto date and following the safety tips outlined above, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these common scams. Always trust your instincts — if something feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Happy buying and selling! And remember if it sounds too good to be true… It probably is.