In recent years, Facebook Marketplace has grown in popularity as a platform for buying and selling items. The ease of use and the vast number of users make it an attractive option for those looking to make transactions.

However, with this increased popularity comes the inevitable rise of scams and fraudulent activities. In this article, we will discuss 20 common Facebook Marketplace scams and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Common Facebook Marketplace scams to watch out for

As with any online marketplace, scams are bound to exist. Some of the most common Facebook Marketplace scams include fake listings, phishing attempts, and payment fraud.

To keep yourself safe and avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs and take necessary precautions.

Facebook Marketplace scam involving 6-digit verification code

One common scam on Facebook Marketplace involves the use of a 6-digit verification code. Scammers will often pose as potential buyers and request a verification code from the seller.

They claim that this is necessary to prove the item is genuine or to verify the seller’s identity. In reality, the scammers use this code to gain access to the seller’s Facebook account and perform malicious activities.

Facebook Marketplace scam involving PayPal

Another common scam on Facebook Marketplace involves the use of PayPal. Scammers may send fake PayPal emails to sellers, claiming that payment has been made and asking the seller to ship the item.

In reality, no payment has been made, and the seller is left without the item and the payment. This type of scam is particularly prevalent in Facebook Marketplace transactions involving high-value items, such as electronics or designer goods.

Facebook Marketplace scam involving shipping

Shipping scams on Facebook Marketplace can take several forms. One common scam involves the scammer posing as a buyer and requesting that the seller ship the item to a different address, usually in another country.

The scammer may claim to have made payment, but the seller later realizes that the payment was never received.

In another variation of this scam, the scammer may pose as a shipping company and request payment for shipping fees from the seller, only for the seller to discover that no shipping fees were required.

Facebook Marketplace scam involving car sales

Car sales scams are particularly prevalent on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers will often post listings for cars at prices that seem too good to be true.

When a potential buyer expresses interest, the scammer may claim that the car is located in another state or country and request payment for shipping or other fees.

Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the buyer without the car and the money.

How to know if a Facebook Marketplace buyer is legit

To determine if a buyer on Facebook Marketplace is legitimate, consider the following factors:

• Check their profile: Look for a complete profile with a profile picture, friends, and a history of interactions on Facebook. A scammer’s profile may be recently created or have little to no activity.
• Communication: Be wary of buyers who insist on communicating outside of Facebook Messenger or who provide incomplete or suspicious contact information.
• Payment methods: Legitimate buyers should be willing to use secure payment methods, such as PayPal. Be cautious of buyers who insist on using unconventional payment methods, such as wire transfers or gift cards.

How to avoid Facebook Marketplace scams when buying or selling

To protect yourself from scams on Facebook Marketplace, follow these tips:

• When buying, always inspect the item in person before making payment. If this is not possible, use a secure payment method that offers buyer protection, such as PayPal.
• When selling, verify the buyer’s identity by checking their Facebook profile and asking for additional information, such as a phone number, if necessary.
• Be cautious of buyers or sellers who request to communicate outside of Facebook Messenger, as this could be an attempt to avoid detection by Facebook.
• Keep all communication and transactions within the Facebook Marketplace platform to take advantage of its built-in safety features.
• Report any suspicious activity to Facebook so they can take appropriate action against potential scammers.

How to tell if you are being scammed on Facebook Marketplace

If you suspect that you are being scammed on Facebook Marketplace, look for the following warning signs:

• Unusual payment methods: Scammers often request payment through unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or gift cards.
• Pressure to complete the transaction quickly: Scammers may try to rush the transaction to prevent you from having time to think it through or consult with others.
• Incomplete or suspicious profiles: Scammers’ profiles may be recently created or have little to no activity.

Facebook Marketplace safety tips

To ensure your safety while using Facebook Marketplace, follow these guidelines:

• Keep your personal information private: Do not share your address, phone number, or other sensitive information with buyers or sellers unless absolutely necessary.
• Meet in public: When meeting in person to complete a transaction, choose a public location, such as a busy parking lot or a local police station’s designated safe exchange area.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off about a transaction or a buyer/seller, trust your gut and walk away.

20 Common Facebook Marketplace Scams

As earlier outlined, Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling items in your local community.

However, as with any online marketplace, there are scammers who prey on unsuspecting users. Here are 20 common Facebook Marketplace scams and what they really entail.

1. The 6 Digit Verification Code Scam

Scammers may ask for a 6 digit verification code to supposedly verify your Facebook Marketplace account. However, this is not a legitimate request and providing the code can give the scammer access to your account.

2. PayPal Scams

Some scammers will ask you to make a payment using a fake PayPal link, which can result in your payment information being stolen. Be sure to only use the secure PayPal platform to make transactions.

3. Shipping Scams

Some scammers will ask you to pay for shipping upfront before they send the item. This can result in you losing money and never receiving the item. Always be cautious when dealing with sellers who ask for payment before shipping the product.

4. Buyer Scams

In this scam, a “buyer” will pretend to be interested in your item and ask for your personal information, such as your home address or bank account number. This can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

5. Car Scams

Scammers may offer to sell a car at a significantly lower price than its market value. They will often ask for payment upfront and then disappear, leaving you with no car and a lighter wallet.

6. Overpayment Scams

In this scam, a buyer will offer to pay more than your asking price, claiming they want to cover shipping costs or taxes. They will then ask you to refund the excess amount, often through a different payment method, leaving you out of pocket when their original payment bounces.

7. Rental Property Scams

Scammers may post fake rental property listings and ask for a deposit or first month’s rent upfront. Once the payment is received, they disappear, leaving you without a place to live.

8. Job Offer Scams

Some scammers post fake job listings and ask for personal information or upfront payment for training materials. These scams can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

9. Gift Card Scams

Scammers may ask for payment using gift cards, which are difficult to trace and recover. Be cautious when dealing with sellers who only accept gift cards as payment.

10. Counterfeit Products

Some scammers sell counterfeit or fake products on Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to ask for proof of authenticity before purchasing any high-value items.

11. Stolen Goods

Some sellers may try to sell stolen items on Facebook Marketplace. Be cautious when buying items, especially if the price seems too good to be true.

12. Escrow Scams

Scammers may offer to use an escrow service for transactions. However, they will actually use a fake website that resembles a legitimate escrow service, stealing your payment.

13. Fake Profiles

Scammers may use fake profiles to appear more trustworthy. Be cautious when dealing with sellers who have little to no history on Facebook Marketplace.

14. Phishing Scams

Some scammers will send you messages or links that appear to be from Facebook, asking for your login information. This can lead to your account being hacked.

15. Fake Invoices

Scammers may send you a fake invoice, claiming it is for a purchase you made on Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to double-check your transactions and report any suspicious activity.

16. Romance Scams

Scammers may pretend to be interested in a romantic relationship to gain your trust and eventually ask for money or personal information.

17. Ticket Scams

Scammers may sell fake or non-existent tickets to events on Facebook Marketplace. Always verify the legitimacy of tickets before purchasing.

18. Non-Delivery Scams

In this scam, a seller will take your payment but never send the item. Be cautious when dealing with sellers who have a history of negative feedback or no feedback at all.

19. False Charity Scams

Scammers may pose as a charity organization and ask for donations. Always research charities before donating to ensure your money goes to a legitimate cause.

20. Check Cashing Scams

Scammers may ask you to cash a check on their behalf, claiming they do not have a bank account. The check will likely bounce, leaving you responsible for the funds.

How To Report a Facebook Marketplace Seller

If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity from a seller on Facebook Marketplace, follow these steps:

1. Get your device connected to an internet source
2. Next, facebook login your profile account
3. Go to the seller’s profile.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of their profile.
5. Select “Find Support or Report Profile.”
6. Choose the reason for your report and provide any additional details.

How To Report a Facebook Marketplace Buyer

If you are dealing with a suspicious buyer, follow these steps to report them:

1. First off, you will need to login your facebook account
2. Next, you will need to go to the buyer’s profile.
3. Now, locate and click on the three dots in the top right corner of their profile.
4. Afterward, you will need to select “Find Support or Report Profile.”
5. Choose the reason for your report and provide any additional details.

How To Successfully Use Facebook Marketplace

To ensure a safe and successful experience on Facebook Marketplace, follow these tips:

1. Always meet in a public place for in-person transactions.
2. Verify the seller’s or buyer’s identity by checking their Facebook profile and Marketplace history.
3. Use a secure payment method, such as PayPal, and avoid wire transfers or gift cards.
4. Ask for proof of authenticity for high-value items.
5. Research prices and compare listings to avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
6. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to scams on Facebook Marketplace.

Remember to always trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to help keep the platform safe for all users.

How can you tell if someone is scamming on Facebook Marketplace?

To identify potential scams on Facebook Marketplace, look for warning signs such as:

• Listings with prices that seem too good to be true.
• Incomplete or suspicious profile information.
• Unusual payment methods or requests to communicate outside of Facebook Messenger.
• Pressure to complete the transaction quickly.

What are the current Facebook Marketplace scams?

Some current Facebook Marketplace scams include:

• Fake listings for high-value items.
• Phishing attempts to gain access to your personal information.
• Payment fraud using fake PayPal emails or unconventional payment methods.
• Shipping scams involving requests to ship items to different addresses or posing as shipping companies.

Is it possible to get scammed on Facebook Marketplace?

Yes, it is possible to get scammed on Facebook Marketplace. However, by staying vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.

How do you know if a buyer is scamming you?

To determine if a buyer is scamming you on Facebook Marketplace, look for warning signs such as:

• Unusual payment methods or requests to communicate outside of Facebook Messenger.
• Pressure to complete the transaction quickly.
• Incomplete or suspicious profile information.

Can a scammer be tracked?

While it can be challenging to track a scammer, reporting suspicious activity to Facebook and local law enforcement may help in identifying and stopping scammers.

What is the most common way to get scammed?

The most common way to get scammed on Facebook Marketplace is through fake listings and payment fraud. To avoid these scams, always inspect items in person before making payment and use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.

Conclusion and final thoughts on Facebook Marketplace scams

Facebook Marketplace can be a great platform for buying and selling items. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential scams and take necessary precautions to protect yourself.

By staying vigilant and following the safety tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy a safe and secure experience on Facebook Marketplace.