Facebook Marketplace is a great place for deals, but it’s also full of scammers trying to take advantage of buyers. To avoid getting scammed, you need to know what red flags to watch for. Here’s a guide with simple steps to stay safe.
1. Review the Seller’s Account
Before making any purchase, always check the seller’s profile. Look for:
- Account age: New accounts are a red flag.
- Friends and activity: Scammers often have few friends and minimal posts.
- Reviews: Check for reviews from past buyers. No reviews? Proceed with caution.
A legitimate seller should have a well-established profile with a history of selling multiple items. If the profile seems empty or recently created, be careful.
2. Request Additional Photos or a Video
Scammers use stock photos or stolen images to trick you. To confirm the seller actually has the item, ask for more photos or a video showing specific details. If they refuse or delay, that’s a HUGE RED FLAG.
3. Price Too Good to Be True
If the price is way below market value, be suspicious. Scammers often use low prices to lure in buyers, especially with high-demand products like AirPods Max. If it seems too good to be true, IT IS.
4. Requests to Communicate Off-Platform
Be careful if the seller asks you to move the conversation from Facebook Messenger to text, email, or WhatsApp. Scammers try to take things off-platform so they can’t be tracked. Stay on Messenger to keep a record of your conversation.
5. Asks for Your Email or Phone Number
Never give out your email or phone number. Scammers can use this info to send you phishing emails or spoof your phone number. Keep all communication within Facebook to protect your information.
6. Pushes for Zelle or Venmo or Cash App Payments
If a seller insists on using Zelle Venmo, or Cash App, RUN. These transactions are quick and irreversible, which is why scammers love it. Stick to Facebook Pay for secure transactions. ALWAYS use safe payment methods, even if it means paying a small fee.
7. “Out of Town” or “Willing to Ship” Excuses
Scammers will agree to meet in person but then claim they’re “out of town” and offer to ship the item instead. If they don’t use Facebook’s official shipping option, DO NOT PAY upfront. This is a classic bait-and-switch scam.
8. Multiple Posts of the Same Item
Scammers often post the same item in multiple locations. Broaden your search and check for duplicate listings. If the same item appears in different places, it’s probably a scam.
9. Requests for Gift Card Payments
NEVER pay with gift cards. Gift cards are untraceable once used, which makes them perfect for scammers. If a seller asks for gift cards, it’s a major red flag. Always stick to traceable payment methods.
10. Check the Seller’s Location
Always check the location where you’ll meet. Use online maps to ensure it’s a safe, populated area. Avoid secluded or sketchy spots. Better yet, suggest meeting in front of a police station for added security.
11. Meet in Public and Bring a Friend
When picking up an item, meet in a public place like a coffee shop or parking lot during the day. For larger items where you need to visit the seller’s home, BRING A FRIEND or let someone know where you’re going and when. NEVER GO ALONE.
12. Pick Up Items in Person When Possible
Always opt for picking up the item in person to inspect it before you pay. Scammers often ask for payment before shipping, then vanish. Picking it up allows you to verify the item is as described.
13. Inspect the Item Before Paying
Don’t hand over money until you’ve thoroughly inspected the item. Make sure it matches the description in the listing. Scammers often misrepresent goods, hoping you won’t notice until it’s too late.
14. Flaky Buyers or Sellers
If the seller constantly changes the time or location of the meetup or takes hours to respond, they might not be serious—or they could be trying to wear you down. If communication becomes inconsistent, MOVE ON to another seller.
15. Scammers Buying for “Someone Else”
When a buyer claims they’re purchasing the item for a relative or friend and asks for your phone number or Zelle information, it’s often a scam. Stick to in-person transactions with cash or Facebook Pay for added protection.
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