Home Scam/Fraud Facebook marketplace scams and how to avoid them?

Facebook marketplace scams and how to avoid them?

189
Facebook marketplace scams

Facebook marketplace scams are not new things for its users. With more than a billion users, Facebook has become the biggest online market on social media. However, where there are great opportunities to buy and sell things, some scams are. Most people use Facebook and make online selling and purchasing. Therefore, everyone wants to do his shopping online. But, when people don’t get the same things they ordered or even don’t receive the items they have paid for them. Investment scams are also common scams right now.

Consequently, you have to bear the loss of your money and time. I advise you to look before the leap because it is useless to cry over spilled milk. This article will tell you about the most common Facebook marketplace scams and how to avoid them.

What is the Facebook marketplace, and how do people use it to buy and sell things?

In 2016, Facebook introduced this excellent feature for its users. Millions of people make sales and purchase through the online Facebook marketplace. However, it also allows evil-minded people to fulfill their devilish aims. They operate in different ways. For instance, they can send you wrong or second-hand items. Therefore, to avoid scams, all need to know about them, how they operate, and what suspicious activities users should avoid.

Here are some ways that scammers use Facebook marketplace scams?

Someone may have ever tried to fool you, but you were too lucky. However, after reading about the following scams, you may update your knowledge. Following are the most common Facebook marketplace scams.

Defective, broken, or used items

No doubt, some people are fond of purchasing second-hand items. However, they are an easy victim of scammers. The pictures they show on the list cannot tell about any defect in the article, especially electronic items, and it is hard to know whether they are new or used. What will you do if you get a used item by paying the total amount or if there is a software or hardware problem? Indeed, it’s a hard nut to crack.

Imitation of luxury items

Counterfeit items are in both markets online and offline. However, Facebook is a global market, and the risk of selling imitative items is many times. Counterfeit items are the first copy of genuine items. Therefore, scammers offer these items for sale because it promises them huge profits. These luxury items include sports, jewelry, clothes, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. The buyers easily swallow the bait.

Stolen goods selling

These tactics work great to get rid of robbed items. In today’s world, criminals are sharp-minded and are using online platforms. Facebook marketplace is an open market for anyone. So it cannot identify the things. It’s up to customers; they should look into the matter keenly before purchasing. Furthermore, a stolen item can put you in big trouble if someone identifies it. Therefore, always ask for proof of purchasing if you buy a second-hand product from an individual.

Sellers request to pay in advance.

It is also one of the most common ways of Facebook marketplace scams. If someone wants advance payment and offers to show you the product on the video call, walk away. One can never judge the quality of a product in such a way. Therefore, you should find the next one or insist him meet physically at some public place.

Furthermore, many other big scams like purchasing cars and vehicles, property, bikes, tech items, etc. Some scammers can also attempt to steal your data by requesting you send a voice message or other things like that.

How to avoid Facebook marketplace scams/ what one should keep in mind to prevent FB marketplace scams?

It is essential to consider before making a purchase or sale on the FB marketplace. You should keep in mind the following steps:

  1. Scrutinize the product to check its quality and any fault. It is better to do this by meeting physically.
  2. Meet the seller at a public place at an appropriate time.
  3. One should seriously take the user ratings as there is less chance of scamming in the ratings.
  4. When it was created, always check the profile, how many posts are there, what previous records tell, etc.
  5. Don’t focus on suspicious posts and if something looks too good to be true, leave that.
  6. Use trusted payment methods that Facebook recommends.
  7. Prefer to communicate only by using Facebook.
  8. One should never make a shipment before payment.
  9. Keep all the records of messages, receipts, and any other that can help you in case of fraud.

Conclusion

Facebook marketplace is a fantastic eCommerce shop that offers incredible things to its users. As we enjoy many services there, there are some risks that we can easily avoid following the guidelines.