Scammers are everywhere even the Facebook marketplace is no longer safe from these tricksters. These scammers utilize different means to trick people for example, they would be buying something without paying or using a stolen credit card. OR can interfere with your online privacy. You should also remember that the scammers could be both sellers and buyers. So keep reading to learn more about how to recognize them as a buyer and how to avoid Facebook marketplace scams as a seller.
Scams that Target Buyers
With almost 1.1 billion visitors, this platform is the biggest and most profitable place to buy and sell anything. Because of the nature of this marketplace, tricksters on this platform target both sellers and buyers. They aim to swipe your products or services and trick you into paying for fake items.
Fake Accounts
According to 2019 FB data, there were 533 million users in 106 countries. Many of them were real users but after a while, they stopped using Facebook. Their profiles were sold off on the dark web. Now these real accounts are being used by tricksters to scam the Facebook marketplace.
You should be aware of these scams because once they make a fake account and list the same item on different accounts with different prices. These prices are often lower than the others. By doing this they gain the interest of buyers. These accounts usually ask for a pre-payment. Once the payment is done they deactivate the account and we never receive the item.
Well, not just that there are also fake buyers on the Facebook marketplace as well.
How to recognize
To spot these fake accounts you should first check for the complete profit of that account. Then look for the review. Keenly observe the date of the reviews as well because some scammers are too clever they even write fake reviews.
Payment Through Gift Cards
It is the same as fake accounts. When scammers with a fake account sell something they ask the buyer to pay them with gift cards. It is because gift card payments are hard to track, unlike credit card payments. This payment is not easily refundable in case of any mischief.
How to spot them
If you find someone continuously insisting you to be paid with gift cards. Stop buying anything from them to be safe from any scams.
Low Prices
Too low price is also one of the biggest Facebook marketplace scams. At first, they list the items with too low prices to grab the attention of the buyer. Once a buyer is interested they change the price to sell you the same thing at a high cost.
What to do?
If you observe the cost if the item isn’t adding up, then you should avoid the purchase. Trust your instincts and avoid potential scams by walking away.
Fancy Giveaways
You should be cautious about the fancy giveaways on Facebook Marketplace. Some scammers use these tricks for example of cryptocurrency, to trick you into giving away personal information.
Usually, they send a spam link for you to join the giveaway, but it’s a trick. Clicking the link could let them get your personal information or put bad stuff on your computer. This malicious software can allow them to access important things like your bank info and passwords.
To know if it’s a trick:
- The account is new or not a business.
- The giveaway info has mistakes.
- They make you do a lot of things.
- They ask for your personal information immediately.
Faulty products
Some sellers send you a picture of one item and after receiving the payment send the faulty product. They usually grab the attention of the buyer by listing the item at a low price.
For example, they will sell you a game console at a normal price, saying it is in good condition. But after paying it could be not as he described it. It is the same case with graphic cards and other accessories.
You should be careful to avoid getting tricked by dishonest sellers.
Advance payment
Some scams are too clever that they ask the client for advance payment, saying this item is very popular. And they need the deposit to reserve this item for them. We know sending advance payments to another e-commerce platform like AliExpress is compulsory. However, it is because of their high trust score and refundable policy. However, on the Facebook marketplace, it is too risky to trust the seller easily and send the upfront payment.
Try to avoid advance payment and don’t fall for requests to pay before receiving the item.
Scams That Target Sellers
Facebook Marketplace Scams Courier
The lost package trick is one of the favorite tricks among scammers on the Facebook marketplace After receiving the package the buyer can say that he has not received the package to get a refund from the seller.
How to avoid it
Sellers can avoid this Facebook marketplace scam by signing up for a tracker on delivery. With the tracker, you can avoid the risks of any scams and lost items.
QR code scams
Tough QR Scans are very useful but sometimes they can be risky on Facebook Marketplace.
Utilizing QR codes for transactions isn’t necessary because the platform offers secure payment methods.
If a buyer or seller insists on using a QR code, it’s likely a scam. You should be cautious about accepting partial payments. Scammers can fake payments using QR codes to deceive you into providing your information or paying them money. Stay safe and avoid QR code transactions on Facebook Marketplace.
Overpayment
You might not believe it, but sending overpayments has also become one of the Facebook marketplace scams. The buyer will send you the overpayment in the form of a check and then will ask for a refund of the extra money. If you agree the check might bounce later on. In the end, you lose the items you sold and send them your own money.
Avoid them
Whenever someone asks to send an overpayment do not accept it. Always accept the correct amount of the payment.
Fake Paypal
Facebook marketplace scams PayPal: Even a secured translation, means PayPal is not hidden from scammers. They utilize fake screenshots of the payment from PayPal to buy the item. You should be cautious of such scams and always check the payment from your PayPal account before sending the item to the buyer.
FAQs
Q1. I got scammed on the Facebook marketplace, what can I do?
If you have been the victim of Facebook marketplace scams then immediate action is necessary. After finding your personal information has been stolen the quick action is to freeze all your cards right away. Then report the issue to Facebook Marketplace. Give them the evidence of scams. By performing this, you can avoid further risks.
Q2. Should you give out your cell phone number on Facebook Marketplace?
Well, normally you can give your phone number but it is not necessary for genuine online transactions. There’s been a lot of Facebook marketplace scams asking for phone number
Before giving out any sensitive information, sellers should be aware of the identity and intentions of the buyer. If you are careful with personal details, it can ensure a safer online selling experience. The same goes for buyers as well.
Q3. How do you know if a buyer is scamming you?
These are the things that a buyer shows if he is thinking of scamming you.
- The buyer is agreeing to anything without details
- He is overly gager to send Financial Details
- They Make an Error in payment to cause an issue
- Limited references or a sparse online presence can be suspicious about a buyer’s credibility.
Can I get my money back if I get scammed on Facebook Marketplace?
You might get it back if you follow the rules of Facebook.
In any case, if someone scams you on Facebook. You should inform Facebook immediately so they can help you avoid losing money. You should call their helpline and report the issue. Ensure to report it within 60 days of the charge. If they find your issue eligible you can get your money back.