Facebook Marketplace has become a popular place for people to buy and sell items locally. However, with the rise in popularity, scammers have also flocked to the platform in hopes of taking advantage of unsuspecting users. As a buyer or seller on Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to be able to recognize common scam tactics so you can avoid getting ripped off.
Trust Your Instincts
Oftentimes, your gut feeling can be one of the best indicators that someone may be trying to scam you. If an offer seems too good to be true, or if something feels “off” about the seller, don’t ignore that instinct. Scammers are experts at manipulating people and making offers that play on people’s desires to save money or make a quick buck. They’re counting on overriding your better judgment.
Research the Seller’s Profile
Take some time to carefully inspect the seller’s profile before moving forward with a transaction. Here are some things to look out for:
- Does the profile seem legitimate? Look at the name, profile photo, number of friends/followers, and past posts.
- How long has the account been active? Recent accounts are more likely to be fraudulent.
- Does the seller have many reviews and a history of selling items without issue? This helps establish legitimacy.
- Do the profile and its content seem consistent? Drastic changes could indicate the account was hacked.
Beware of Common Scam Tactics
Here are some common tactics scammers use on Facebook Marketplace to watch out for:
- Suspicious or inconsistent communication: They may avoid answering questions directly, use poor grammar, switch between languages, or keep urging you to complete the transaction quickly.
- Price is dramatically low: An exceptionally cheap price for a high-value item is a red flag. They lure buyers in with a perceived amazing deal.
- “Cash flips”: Scammers ask you to deposit a fake check or pay them upfront to purchase an item, promising huge returns.
- Hard-to-spot fake profiles: Clone profiles mimic real users’ info and pictures. Always check that you’re messaging the real profile owner.
- Third-party escrow services: Scammers try to direct payment through fake escrow sites they control to steal your money.
- Meet locally, pay remotely: They may ask you to send payment before meeting locally to supposedly “hold” the item.
Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask sellers plenty of questions to vet them before agreeing to meet up or send money. Here are examples of things to ask:
- Why are they selling the item?
- Would they be willing to talk over the phone or video chat?
- Are they the original owner? If not, do they have documentation proving ownership?
- Does the item have any defects? Ask for detailed photos and descriptions.
- Would they be willing to meet at a safe, public place? Why or why not?
A scammer will often avoid answering in depth or provide vague responses. A legitimate seller should have no issues providing detailed information.
Ask for Identification
It’s perfectly reasonable for buyers and sellers to ask to see each other’s photo ID before finalizing a transaction. Besides verifying identities, this allows you to:
- Confirm the seller’s profile matches their real name.
- Check that the addresses on the ID and Facebook profile match.
- Look them up in a people search database using their name and address.
A scammer will typically refuse to show ID or suddenly disappear if asked. Only meet people who are willing to provide identification.
Run a Reverse Image Search
Conducting a reverse image search on the seller’s profile pictures can help uncover fraud. Here’s how:
- Save one of the seller’s profile photos to your computer.
- Go to a reverse image search site like Google Images or TinEye.
- Upload the photo and run the search.
If the same picture appears under other names, it indicates the profile is fake. Scammers often steal others’ photos online to create more believable profiles.
Insist on Safe Payment
Never agree to suspicious payment methods that offer no buyer protection, like wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency, PayPal Friends & Family, Zelle, Venmo, cash apps, checks, or mailing cash. Only pay using the official Facebook checkout feature or services like PayPal Goods & Services.
Watch Out for Shipping Scams
Some scammers post fake listings for hot-ticket items at low prices to con people into paying “shipping fees” upfront via wire transfer. There are a few warning signs of a shipping scam:
- The item is in high demand and scarce in stores.
- The price is suspiciously low.
- They insist on wire transfer for shipping cost.
- Your messages go unanswered after paying.
Never send money directly to sellers for shipping fees. Use only secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.
Beware of Third-Party Escrow Services
Scammers often insist buyers use a specific escrow service to “protect” both parties. In reality, they direct you to fake escrow websites they control to steal your money. Remember:
- Facebook has its own official escrow system. Do not use any other escrow or voucher service.
- Never provide your personal or banking information to an unknown escrow site.
- Professional escrow services never take fees from only one party.
Avoid Rental Listings Requiring Large Deposits
Scammers often create fake rental listings, posing as landlords and asking for large security deposits upfront before you sign a lease and get keys. Warning signs include:
- Rental price far below market rate.
- Urging you to act fast before the unit is rented.
- Out-of-town landlords who can’t show the unit.
- Requests for security deposit before meeting or signing a lease.
Never send money to rent a place you haven’t toured in-person. And only send deposits after signing a legitimate lease contract.
Don’t Be Manipulated by Sob Stories
Scammers may try to take advantage of your kindness and exploit you through emotional manipulation. Beware of sellers sharing:
- Financial troubles or personal hardships to get you to send money.
- Urgency to sell an item due to an emergency or crisis.
- Requests for sympathy payments in lieu of an actual transaction.
While their stories pull at your heartstrings, remember to always verify identities and use safe payment methods.
Trust Your Instincts During Meetups
When meeting a seller in person, listen to your gut feeling. Bail if you notice any of these red flags:
- They change the meeting spot at the last minute.
- They act nervous, shifty, or aggressive.
- You’re asked to get into a vehicle or go somewhere private.
- They show up with extra people you weren’t told about.
Arrange meetups in safe, busy public places like police stations. And bring someone with you or let others know where you’ll be. If your gut says leave, don’t hesitate to trust it.
Test Before Buying When Possible
When purchasing electronics, vehicles, or mechanical items, ask to thoroughly inspect and test the item before exchange. Scammers often flip inoperable goods.
Turn electronics on. Bring a diagnostic tool when buying a used car. Start up a gas mower or chainsaw. Carefully checking functionality on-site helps avoid getting swindled.
Do a Background Check
For extra peace of mind, use the seller’s name, phone number, and other info to run a background check on them. Paid services like TruthFinder or Instant Checkmate can uncover criminal records, alternate addresses, and aliases that may reveal fraudulent intentions.
Report Suspicious Activity
If someone seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to cut off communication and promptly report them to Facebook. Reporting scammers helps keep the community safe and prevent others from falling victim.
Use Caution When Dealing Locally or Remotely
Scammers operate both locally and long-distance. Be vigilant regardless of where the seller claims to be located. Don’t let your guard down just because they say they live nearby or are willing to meet up in person.
Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Ask yourself realistically: would a seller offer this item at such a steep discount if nothing was wrong? Scammers bait unsuspecting buyers with deals that are just too good to be true. If it seems that way, proceed with extreme caution or move on.
Don’t Be Pressured into Making Quick Decisions
It’s a major red flag if a seller applies high pressure or keeps insisting you act urgently before you’ve done your due diligence. Take your time vetting sellers carefully, even if it means losing out. Avoid making rushed decisions in the heat of the moment.
Be Wary of Accounts with Minimal Information
profiles with hardly any details, friends, photos or history often belong to scammers. They don’t want to put in the work to build up a believable presence. Stick to transacting with established accounts that have robust profiles.
Learn to Spot Phishing Attempts
Scammers often send phishing messages claiming you need to verify your account, input login details, or provide personal information. Avoid clicking suspicious links and never give out your login or financial details.
Conclusion
While scammers on Facebook Marketplace are a real concern, there are many precautions you can take to detect and avoid fraudulent buyers and sellers. Trust your instincts, do thorough research, insist on safe payment methods, and report shady activity. Using sound judgment when transacting will help you steer clear of getting ripped off.
With vigilance and caution, you can use Facebook Marketplace to safely buy and sell without getting targeted by scammers. Spreading awareness about common marketplace scams also helps keep your community informed so fewer people fall victim.