Facebook Marketplace is a convenient place to buy and sell items locally. With over 1 billion monthly active users on Facebook, Marketplace offers access to a huge audience of potential buyers and sellers. However, the ease and anonymity of Marketplace transactions can leave buyers vulnerable to scams. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid scams and have a safe transaction when buying on Facebook Marketplace.
Watch out for common Facebook Marketplace scams
Here are some typical scams to be aware of when buying on Facebook Marketplace:
- Fake listings – Scammers post ads using photos stolen from other sites or make up listings for items that don’t exist. They’ll often price items far below market value to attract interest.
- “Overpayment” scam – A seller asks you to send back a portion of an “accidental” overpayment via wire transfer or gift card. In reality, the original payment never clears.
- Advance fee – Seller requires an upfront payment (via wire transfer, gift card, etc) before you can pick up the item. You send the money but never receive the item.
- In-person robbery – Criminals pose as sellers, arrange a meeting, and then rob buyers who show up with cash in hand.
Be skeptical of listings that seem “too good to be true” or sellers who insist on payments via wire transfer, prepaid card, PayPal Friends & Family, or other hard-to-trace methods. Only use Facebook’s checkout feature for payments within Marketplace.
Vet sellers carefully
Here are some tips for assessing seller profiles:
- Check account age – Be wary of new accounts with very little activity. Scammers often create fake accounts to post scam listings.
- Look for verified info – Sellers with confirmed email addresses and connected Facebook profiles tend to be more legitimate.
- Review ratings and reviews – Check for negative feedback and comments raising red flags about the seller.
- Analyze listing quality – Poorly written, repetitive listings with vague descriptions can signal a scammer.
A lack of ratings or reviews doesn’t necessarily mean the seller is untrustworthy, but extra scrutiny is advised. Try messaging sellers with specific questions – those unwilling or unable to provide details may be scammers.
Request photos and details
To avoid fake listings, always request current photos of the actual item for sale, ideally with something like a dated newspaper next to it. For vehicles, ask for a photo of the VIN. Exchanging cell numbers can also help confirm identities.
Ask plenty of specific questions before agreeing to buy:
- Can I inspect the item in person before purchasing?
- Are there any defects, damage, or missing parts?
- Do you have the original packaging and manuals?
Vague or dubious responses are red flags. Insisting on answers before meeting or paying may help filter out scammers.
Search for stolen goods
Run searches to ensure the item wasn’t stolen:
- Google key details – Search the make, model, and serial number or product ID to see if they’re associated with theft reports.
- Check stolen goods databases – Sites like Stolen Camera Finder allow you to search stolen item records.
- Lookup license plates – Run license numbers through sites like VINCheck® or SearchQuarry to uncover vehicle history reports.
Walk away if you find any indication the item is stolen to avoid trouble down the road.
Meet in a safe public place
When meeting a seller in person:
- Pick a busy public spot like a coffee shop or store during daylight.
- Don’t go alone – Bring someone with you or at least tell a friend where you’re going.
- Drive your own car so you’re not dependent on the seller for transportation.
- Bring your charged cell phone in case you need to call for help.
- Only take cash you expect to spend and leave credit cards secured elsewhere.
- Be alert upon arrival – Leave if you notice suspicious people loitering around.
Never agree to enter the seller’s home or vehicle. Make it clear you won’t purchase without inspecting the item on the spot.
Inspect items thoroughly before paying
Before paying, take time to closely examine the item:
- Does it match the seller’s description and photos?
- Does it power up and function properly?
- Are there any cracks, dents, defects, or signs of damage?
- Do all accessories, parts, and components match listings?
Thoroughly inspect vehicles by checking tires, fluid levels, lights, electronics, and engine performance. Run a vehicle history report using the VIN if possible.
Don’t feel rushed – Take as much time as needed to verify condition and ownership before exchanging money.
Get receipts and ownership records
Once you decide to move forward with a purchase, obtain documentation from the seller:
- Physical receipt – Get a signed, handwritten receipt noting the item description and sale date.
- Ownership docs – Request any relevant titles, deeds, etc. legally proving seller ownership.
- User manuals – Get original manuals and documentation if possible.
- Warranties – Obtain warranties, service records, certificates of authenticity.
- Photos – Take photos capturing serial numbers, distinguishing features, and your entire interaction.
This creates a paper trail showing the transaction details. Only finalize payment once documentation is complete.
Use safe payment methods
Stick to payment methods offering buyer protections:
- Facebook checkout – Payments through Marketplace checkout are covered by purchase protection.
- Credit cards – Credit card purchases can be disputed if you don’t get the item or it’s misrepresented.
- PayPal goods & services – PayPal goods payments also include purchase protection.
Avoid services like bank transfers, PayPal Friends and Family, Venmo, prepaid cards, or cash, which offer no recourse if things go wrong.
Test electronics immediately
Before leaving a meeting, power on electronics and test core functions:
- Connect laptops to WiFi to ensure internet access.
- Insert SIM card to verify cell phone connectivity.
- Play different media on MP3 players to check sound quality.
- Load games on gaming systems to confirm controllers work properly.
Don’t assume you can just test later – inspect thoroughly while still with the seller.
Backup data and factory reset
Before using previously owned computers, smartphones, or storage devices, take safeguards to protect your data:
- Copy personal data – Backup any sensitive files or photos.
- Wipe devices – Perform factory resets to erase data remnants.
- Check settings – Look for tracking apps or location services.
- Change passwords – Update passwords on installed apps and websites.
- Install antivirus – Run antivirus scans to detect malware.
Restoring electronic devices to factory default settings helps avoid the risk of using someone else’s account or acquiring computer viruses.
Use buyer protection
If issues arise after completing a transaction, quickly escalate to Marketplace and payment provider buyer protection services:
- Report fake or misleading listings to Facebook – Use the “Report Listing” button.
- File claims – Initiate claims with Facebook or PayPal if items are misrepresented or never delivered.
- Dispute credit card charges – Contact your credit card provider to contest charges for undelivered or defective items.
- Contact police – File police reports for theft or fraud.
The quicker you start resolving disputes, the better chance you have of recovering losses.
Avoid being scammed when selling
Sellers on Facebook Marketplace also need to watch for scams. Here are some tips to avoid issues:
- Never ship items – Insist on local pickup only.
- Meet in busy public settings during daylight.
- Avoid payments via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- Wait for Facebook checkout payments to fully clear before releasing items.
- Photograph items and record serial numbers in case of disputes.
- Bring a friend or family member to meet strangers claiming items.
- Trust your instincts – Cancel sales that seem risky.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace can be a great source for scoring used goods at discount prices. But you also expose yourself to potential scams if you’re not cautious.
Protect yourself by thoroughly researching sellers, insisting on detailed inspections before money exchanges hands, meeting in safe locations, paying through secure methods, testing electronics prior to leaving, and saving evidence of all transactions.
Stay vigilant for common Facebook marketplace scams. Trust your instincts if anything seems sketchy. And leverage Facebook and payment provider purchase protections if you become the victim of fraud.
With the right precautions, you can buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace with confidence while avoiding costly scams.