Facebook marketplace scams: A guide for buyers, sellers & parents

Facebook Marketplace is an ideal site for buying or selling items. However, neither online nor offline is immune to scams. It seems anyone can get scammed, whether as a buyer, seller, or even a parent trying to protect a child. Facebook Marketplace scams can be financially costly and emotionally damaging.

This is why the guide aims to provide you with practical steps towards preventing scammers from stealing your hard-earned money or protecting your family from scams. So, keep reading!

Is Facebook Marketplace safe?

We can’t say a hard yes or not, because the marketplace can be safe only if you use it with caution. You know the platform has billions connected every day to either sell or buy goods and services.

In terms of safety, Facebook Marketplace provides built-in features to aid its users. A user is able to check their profile, the time spent on Facebook, and also check prior reviews. Moreover, a user has a chance to report if something appears wrong.

The downside, of course, is that you may encounter active scammers. Yes, within the fake profiles created, scammers are posing to sell or buy items by tricking you or committing payment fraud. First-time users or teens who do not know what warning signs of danger look like are far more likely to find themselves in such situations.

How does Facebook Marketplace work?

Facebook Marketplace is a feature of Facebook available on both the app and the website. It allows for the buying and selling of both new and second-hand items within the local area as well as in other regions. Sellers create listings by taking pictures of the items, writing brief descriptions, and setting a selling price. Buyers scroll through the listings using filters and messaging the sellers through Messenger.

There is no need to download additional applications; all you need to do is click on the “Marketplace” icon on Facebook. You can look up items such as furniture, electronics, cars, clothing, or even homes for rent. After finding an item of interest, you can message the seller for more details or arrange a meeting.

Well, transactions are mostly done in person, although some prefer using payment platforms like Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.

What age should a child be to buy/sell on the Facebook marketplace?

The clear answer to this question is that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to access the Marketplace. If you’re hosting a listing, buying, or selling an item, you need to provide proof that you are 18+; teens and children are not permitted.

But, some teens try to fool the policy and put their wrong date of birth to enter the market. So, therein comes the obligation of the parents who, along with keeping the accounts secure, need to explain why there is a need for placing age-based restrictions.

10 Facebook marketplace scams to watch out for

The ability to sell and purchase items with ease has come with its advantages and disadvantages, and Marketplace is no stranger to scams. That’s why everyone needs to be cautious. These pointers will guide you to the scams that come with Marketplace; our focus is to point out some specific FB Marketplace scams.

1. Overpayment Scam

Scammers pretend to pay with a sizable amount of money. They make it seem like there’s an overpayment. With this, they will ask you to return their extra money. After you have returned the payment, you will realise that they have cancelled the payment, or the payment was fake.

• How to avoid it: If there is overpayment, do not accept it. If it appears too good to be true, cut contact.

2. Fake payment confirmations

They send phoney screenshots or emails claiming to execute payments wherein funds were made through well-known payment services such as Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. These scammers’ intent is always to get the item out of your possession.

• How to avoid it: Always double-check the payment services you use prior to shipping. Don’t trust screenshots or emails; check the account directly.

3. Fraud through the QR Codez

You can get a request to scan a QR code to process payments due. It can easily lead you to fake sites that can get access to your financial data.

• How to avoid it: Avoid scanning untrusted code. As always, stick to verified payment systems you can trust.

4. Ship scams

With the use of recommended shipping services, buyers can fall into shipping scam traps. They can redirect you to fraudulent people hiding behind purported shipping services.

• How to avoid it: Use trusted shipping services instead. Never accept offers that give too much power to control the shipment

5. Fake profiles

Scammers tend to open new Facebook accounts for the primary purpose of swindling people. Such profiles rarely contain a personal biography, photos, friends, or any actual images.

• How to avoid it: Check the profile’s age. If it is new or lacks details, it’s more advisable to exit.

6. Phishing links

Scammers send links that appear to be genuine Facebook or payment sites, but in actual fact, they are phoney sites created to capture your login and banking details.

• How to avoid it: Refrain from clicking on forwarded links in a chat. Instead, directly access the site or application.

7. Stolen goods

Some sellers sell expensive items like phones or designer bags for unreasonably low prices. Unbelievably, these items are often stolen. Purchasing one could result in legal problems.

• How to avoid it: Request receipts or proof of ownership. Simply, walk away if the seller doesn’t comply.

8. Bait-and-switch

The seller advertises a great item, and when you meet to discuss, they offer something else, or absolutely nothing.

• How to avoid it: Always meet in public and ensure that you are able to assess the item prior to paying. Don’t be reluctant to walk away if you feel that anything is off.

9. Damaged returns

This usually impacts sellers. For example, a scammer purchases an item and then returns a broken, used, or fake version of the item but keeps the original. Electronics and high-value items are particularly susceptible to this.

• How to avoid it: Taking clear photos, videos of the item before shipping, and writing down the serial number (if possible) are essential. Use tracked and insured shipping methods. If you are meeting in person, do not accept returns unless you know the buyer.

10. Rental/home deposit scams

One of the most dangerous scams on fb Marketplace is when someone pretends to rent out an apartment or a home. The scammer puts up a listing and requests a deposit to “hold the place.”

• How to avoid it: Always make sure that you verify a rental listing in person, and not online. Conduct a reverse image search to verify that the images used are not from another listing.

How can you spot scams on Facebook marketplace?

Whether you are buying or selling, these tips listed below can help you avoid any trouble on Facebook Marketplace.

• Unrealistic prices: Pricing an item way below its actual value should raise red flags. Scammers are known for listing valuable products like iPhones, designer handbags and even game consoles at prices that are hard to believe.

• Rushed deals: If a seller is rushing you to make a decision, that is a clear sign of a scam. They might say something like “I need you to send your payment now to hold it”, or “I have other buyers that are waiting”. Do everything you can to avoid giving any kind of payments without being 100% certain of the deal.

• Off-Platform payments: Payment methods like gift cards, Zelle and Venmo are considered to be unsafe and untraceable. So, try to avoid these off-platform payment methods.

• Strange messages: Strange replies to a conversation tend to be a red flag in the context of transactions. If you notice poorly written text or responses that make it look as copied and pasted, be alert. A real businessman talks straightforwardly.

• Absence of face-to-face interaction: It’s a definite warning sign if they won’t meet you in public or permit you to view the item prior to purchase.

• Requests for payment that are out of the norm: Some scammers like to send instructions, code, or a link via QR code to “finalise the payment”. These are usually attempts to hack into accounts and gather private information. So, stay away from all this stuff!

How does Facebook deal with scam issues on the marketplace?

Facebook is conscious of the increasing number of scams on its Marketplace and has created several systems to combat them. It deploys automated systems to search the listings for fraudulent activities. If a listing is suspicious or reported by users, Facebook might instantly block it.

Users can also report scams themselves. Once reported, Facebook checks the listing. The seller or the buyer contravenes the guidelines, their account might be restricted or banned. Purchases made via shipping checkout on Facebook do have some limited buyer protection, but not for cash purchases made in person.

For parents, Facebook’s tools simply do not catch everything, which is very important to know. Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. That is why you need to guide your teen on smart selling and buying habits.

What should you do if you get scammed on Facebook Marketplace?

It could be frustrating when scammed, but acting quickly can create drastic change. If you feel you were scammed on Facebook Marketplace, carry out the following steps:

• Collect documentation: This is very important. Take screenshots of the listing, chat with the scammer, payment receipts, and the scammer’s profile. This data will be essential for reporting or claiming the scam.
• Report the listing and user: If you find any suspicious listing or user on the Facebook Marketplace, then report it immediately. Yes, it will help Facebook take action abruptly and protect other users from these potential scams.
• Snuff out the scam contact: Blocking a scammer not only stops them from contacting you but also allows Facebook to take swift action against the perpetrator.
• Contact the payment app: If payment was made through Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or any other service, be sure to report the scam immediately. Some apps give you the option to dispute the transaction or even ask for a refund.
• Caution: To be honest, recovery is almost impossible, especially in Facebook Marketplace Zelle scams or Facebook Marketplace Venmo scams, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
• Involve law enforcement: If any of the scams posed a threat to your safety through stolen goods, reach out to your local police and provide all of the evidence you have.

How to report a scam on Facebook Marketplace?

Step 1. Visit the marketplace section on your Facebook app or desktop.

Step 2. Tap profile, the click on inbox.

Step 3. Now, locate the scam listing or the conversation with the scammer.

Step 4. Tap the photo, and just tap on “report”> “Scam”.

Step 5. At this point, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the submission process of the report.

Though Facebook does its part in making the platform safe, it is your immediate initiative that aids in loss mitigation and prevents others from the same issues.

How to not get scammed on Facebook Marketplace?

Your journey to safety on the Facebook Marketplace starts with the mindset of awareness and following the rules. Here are some easy tips to help you avoid scam attempts:

• Meet person for all transactions whenever possible: As a buyer or a seller, you should always meet in public locations during the day. Avoid secluded private spaces.

• Scrutinise items before the purchase: Before handing out money, check for the items carefully. Always ensure that they match the description and work as required.

• Always use safe payment methods: Apps like Zelle and Venmo should not be used, and if it’s necessary to use them, you should have trust the person wholeheartedly. For in-person payments, cash is usually the best option. If available, use Facebook’s checkout for more protection.

• Always follow your intuition: If anything seems “off,” pay heed, as scammers usually try to rush you for payments. Take your time. Remember that these sorts of people try really hard to push you into making expedited payments.

• Refrain from clicking on untrustworthy links: As a rule of thumb, avoiding links sent via chat, especially those requesting payment or personal information, should be a top priority.

Following the steps above will help ensure you adopt best practices to prevent falling victim to scams on Facebook Marketplace, allowing for a seamless selling and purchasing experience.

Bonus for parents: How to prevent minors from scams on online marketplaces like Facebook?

As parents, having controls in place to prevent your children from falling into traps set by scammers on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace is vital. Check our list of ways you can keep your child safe.

• Keep track of their online purchases: Be vigilant on what your child is selling or buying online. Regularly checking their accounts as well as their chats may help identify any red flags.

• Talk about digital safety: Make sure to sit with your child and explain to them what types of scams exist, as well as the methods con artists use to trick people. Children must understand how dangerous sharing personal information or sending funds to strangers can be.

• Incorporate parental control applications: To monitor and control your child’s activities online, it’s better to use a parental control app. For example, the best option is the FlashGet Kids app. Yes, it has features like screen mirroring, through which you can view your teen’s screen on your phone in real time. It helps avoid risky behaviour and adds an extra safety net. Apart from this, with the help of the app blocker feature, FlashGet Kids allows you to block any website or app ( Like Facebook) that you feel is inappropriate for minors.

• Define set logs: As adults, you need to document what your child is allowed and not allowed to buy and sell on the internet. Defining limits helps children avoid engaging in high-risk transactions.

• Don’t shut the doors of communication: You should encourage your teen to reach out to you if they ever feel sceptical or uneasy about any online offer. Sincere discussions can solve so many issues.

Wrap up

To end the discussion, your greatest protection against Facebook Marketplace scams is keeping yourself updated. Make sure that you offer guidance to your teen on how to responsibly access the Marketplace and help them learn to identify possible dangers. Promoting careful digital actions not only secures your family but also supports others in the cyber world.

If you remain alert and suspicious and keep using the parental control app, you and your teens can reap the benefits of Facebook Marketplace without falling victim to fraud.

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