Avoiding Facebook Marketplace Scams
Published December 15, 2022
As convenient as it may be to buy and sell items on Facebook Marketplace, there are unfortunately some individuals who try to take advantage of unsuspecting users. It's important to be aware of common scams in order to protect yourself and your personal information.
Scammers on Facebook
One common scam is sellers requesting payment through a third-party app or website, such as Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or other P2P apps. Fraudulent sellers may claim that this is for their own security, but the truth is that these methods of payment offer little to no protection for the buyer.
It's best to stick with more secure forms of payment, such as cash or a credit card with buyer protection.
How to Spot and Prevent a Scam
If someone is trying to overpay you, it's likely a scam. If you aren't selling a high in demand item, be cautious of buyers offering you more than your asking price.
- Always double-check emails. A lot of times scammers will create fake emails that look similar to official ones.
- Always confirm the email before sending any money. If you seem to have received an email from Zelle or another payment app, double-check the email address. Scammers use fake email addresses that are similar to official ones.
- Get to know payment app policies before you use them. If someone claims you need a business account to accept payments, check the app’s official website or contact customer service to find out if the claim is true. Scammers often make up fake policies to trick their victims.
- Report scams to Facebook Marketplace. If you spot a seller trying to pull off a scam, report them. Your report can help protect other unsuspecting sellers.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it's probably a scam. Trust your instincts and don't let yourself get pressured into making a purchase or giving out personal information.
Remember to report any suspicious activity on Facebook Marketplace to help prevent others from falling victim to these scams. Happy buying and selling!
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