10 Common Facebook Marketplace Scams and How to Avoid Them

Besides being a popular social media platform, Facebook is also a great place to buy and sell things, thanks to Facebook Marketplace. However, that doesn’t mean this platform is free from scammers. Like any other online marketplace, Facebook Marketplace also has scammers in sheep’s skin. If you do not stay cautious, you will fall prey to these scams.

If you use or plan to use Facebook Marketplace, this guide is for you. We have listed common scams on Facebook Marketplace and how to save yourself from being a victim.

1. Fake Payment Confirmations or Facebook Marketplace Zelle Scam

What happens in this scam: If you are a seller, the scammer pretends to be an interested buyer and claims to have made the payment online, usually through platforms like Zelle, which requires only the seller’s email address or phone number to make the payment. They might show a screenshot of the transaction or send a fake email address from Zelle proving the payment transfer.

The email may ask the seller to upgrade or switch to a Zelle account for a fee to receive the payment, which the buyer claims to have transferred. Following this, they ask you for reimbursement. Apart from that, they might make payments using methods with which they can reverse the action after receiving the product. The person may also pretend to be a Zelle employee trying to collect your bank account details.

How to prevent: Before you send over the product, verify that you have received the amount in your bank account. While at it, ask the buyer to pay through methods they can’t reverse the transaction.

2. Counterfeit Currency or Goods

What happens in this scam: The Buyer will meet you and even pay you with cash. The only thing is that it won’t be real currency. The same goes for counterfeit goods, which are shown as original but will be a first or second copy of the product.

How to prevent: To protect yourself from counterfeit currency, follow certain checks set by the government. As for the goods, conduct a thorough research about the product you are getting. This will help you to know whether the product is authentic or not.

Also Read: How to Check if iPhone Is Original or Fake

3. Rental or Venmo Scams

What happens in this scam: Apart from buying things, you can also get flats or items for rent. However, if you are not careful, you might be scammed. Scammers usually make a listing and attract attention from a potential customer.

However, before meeting and confirming your decision, they will ask you to make an upfront payment or deposit to secure the deal, usually from a Venmo account. These scammers are good at their words and can make you trust them. Once the money is received, they will block you and might even de-list their listing.

How to prevent: The best way to avoid scams like this on Facebook Marketplace is to only make payment after meeting and checking the place or item.

4. Stolen Goods

What happens in this scam: Usually, in this scam, you will get the product for a relatively cheap price, but it could be a stolen item. If the authorities find out, you can be in trouble.

How to prevent: Ask if the seller has proof of ownership. If they have bills or invoices, that can help you decide better.

5. Phishing Scams

What happens in this scam: These are scams with which they will try to steal your data, including bank information, or sell your data to other scammers. To perform this scam, they set up fake websites of giveaways, payment platforms, or even Facebook Marketplace. Upon opening these links or providing information, your data and other valuable information will be hacked.

Apart from these, if the seller or buyer tries to ask for sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial information such as bank account details or debit or credit card information, don’t share it with them.

How to prevent: If you feel a link is suspicious, don’t open it. Usually, links from reputed brands are often short and will be easy to understand. Check if there are spelling mistakes or poor grammar on the webpage.

You can also check the trustability factor of the website using services like Trustpilot to find the website’s credibility. If you think these websites have scammed you, quickly change your password and use features such as two-factor authentication.

6. Shipping Scam

What happens in this scam: Once you believe the product exists and make the payment, the sender will send it, or at least that’s what they say. After a couple of days, you will get fake calls from the police or other authorities stating that your courier is with them because of some issues and you need to pay money to release it.

How to prevent: First of all, no product is coming your way. If you have made any payments before, the scammers have taken them, and the best solution is to report them to the authorities. To prevent situations like this, ask the sender to send the tracking number and invoice.

With this, you will know whether they have sent any courier. Don’t pay for anything extra besides the agreed-upon initial amount.

7. Faulty, Damaged, or Different Items

What happens in this scam: Show a good quality product in Facebook Marketplace, but it will have some damages or faults upon delivery. Sometimes, you might even get an entirely different item.

How to prevent: Visit the seller and check the product for yourself. If you cannot, ask them to send a video of the product covering all parts. While at it, ask them to take the video in a well-lit place and include something in the frame to let you know that the video was taken on that day.

8. Bait and Switch

What happens in this scam: While not as serious as the others, this is also one of the popular scams on Facebook Marketplace. The scammers will get your attention with an unusually low-priced item. However, when you express interest, they will mention that the product has already been sold or is unavailable. Instead, they will offer another similar product that’s priced higher.

How to prevent: It’s best not to take the deal further, even for a similar product. However, if you decide to move ahead, be cautious.

9. Phone Number Scam

What happens in this scam: The buyer will ask for your phone number to move the conversation from Marketplace to another texting app. Soon, the person will ask you to share a text code to prove you’re real. However, giving this code (or OTP) might lead to draining your bank accounts or losing important accounts and information.

How to prevent: Avoid sharing any codes related to your account. Also, if you agree to communicate outside of Marketplace, always use text apps without a phone number.

10. Claiming Lost Package

What happens in this scam: The buyer receives the product post payment but claims that they didn’t and tries to get a refund.

How to prevent: Whenever shipping an item, ensure you have the shipping/tracking number and the invoice with you. With this, you can confirm that the package was shipped. Also, capture images of the contents inside the package and the packaging process to ensure you have sent the item.

Other Tips to Avoid Facebook Marketplace Scams

Besides the other tips mentioned above, here are some common ones to ensure your safety from these scams:

• Always question too good-to-be-true deals: Everyone is trying to sell something in the Marketplace for a good profit. So, no one will waste their time selling a product at a loss. Hence, always approach good offers with caution.
• Pressure tactics: Scammers can pretend-call you by being authorities or from courier services. Before giving any information, check if the number is on the company’s official website.
• Unusual payment methods: Always stick with the method you are comfortable with, and don’t agree to any unusual payment methods.
• Avoid interactions with incomplete profiles: It’s best to talk with a buyer/seller with a good profile. If they appear shady, drop any further conversation.
• Avoid meeting alone or in suspicious locations: While meeting in person is one of the best ways to avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace, you are still not completely free from them. Hence, ensure to bring someone with you rather than meeting alone.

While using the platform, if you spot scams on Facebook Marketplace, always report them; thus, you can be helpful to others by preventing them from falling for them.

Happy Shopping in Facebook Marketplace

There is no doubt that there are many Facebook Marketplace Scams. However, you can avoid them by staying alert and knowing what and whom you are interacting with. We hope that this guide was helpful with all the information provided. If you have any further queries, let us know in the comments.