Top Scams Facebook Marketplace 15 and How to Avoid Them

Facebook Marketplace has hadcheckereda history. It went a miserable failure to a great trading platform after its re-introductionfromin 2016. Today, it’s a great place to sell and buy anything online.

However, nothing is ever perfect, including Facebook. Hence, the platform has some disadvantages, and the Facebook Marketplace scams are among the main ones.

This article will assist you explore what threats you as it turns out could face, how to prevent them, and how to deal with them if they happen. Read along to locate out.

Facebook Marketplace top scams – The quick list

Interestingly, We will deal with each type of scam in detail later in this article. our for those in a rush and only need to peruse the gist, here’s But quick list.

That’s a quick list of in modern times 10 scams. But there’s much more to be said about each type of scam. In fact, And there are some things when can do you you fall victim to such online scams. But, of course, the optimal thing is never to suffer from this problem. And you’re on the right track for that since the first step more than ever is awareness.

15 most widely practiced Facebook Marketplace scams today

A Facebook Marketplace scammer’s first order of business is to trick youAs you may know, Then you won’t the merchandise, or it will be very defective orgetvery different than what you expected. His position is to make you paylaunchfor something you’ve never wanted, for a . .

As you may as it turns out , However, that’s notknow the whole account. Facebook Marketplace allows both buying and selling, and scams run both waysActually, . In fact, So you can also get scammed as a seller by somebody who presents himself as a legitimate buyer. As you may know, Then, he’ll play tricks to squeeze some currency away from the seller.

In Facebook Industry, as in so many other things in life, prevention is much more effective than any posterior measure. As you may know, Prevention starts with awareness that leads to recognizing a fishy deal when you come across it. let’s look at the most common scamsSoon Facebook Marketplace today.

Gift cards 1.

Asking for payment and not delivering’the goods is probably the oldest trick in the scammer s book. While the original scam probably relied on gold’s universal value, the ongoing version of this stunt on Facebook depends on gift cards.

It s straightforward to’see why. They’re like cash; if you’re on the right web page, except that you can’t abort them, retrieve an unrecognized operation. As you may know They’re like gold in that once, you possess one, nobody can do anything about it, and they’re perfectly anonymous.

So one of the worst scams is a supposed . asking for payment in gift cardsseller And he he has the gift card, once disappears or ghosts you.

Once that happens, the gift card you used to pay for it is impossible to recover or trace.

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2. Counterfeit merchandise

Counterfeit items have been the bane of trading since timesimmemorial. Facebook Marketplace couldn in modern times ’t be the exception. in modern times ., However, the Facebook trading platform amplifies the risk of buying counterfeits exponentiallyActually The website is globalAnybody has access, and tracking down the sellers can be a nightmare. . Indeed, So if the threat of counterfeit is real wherever you purchase something (online or otherwisemakesFacebook Marketplace ), it much more manageable.

Counterfeit merchandise looks like the real deal on the surface and gets a price tag with as a matter of fact the legitimate item.

This fragrances can be anything from designer clothes, cosmetics, merchandise, medicine (against

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Bait and switch 3.

Actually, Bait and Switch is also a time-honored scam in modern times Then, as the buyer shows interest in it, the seller informs him that the sale was too successful and he is fresh out of the item in inquiry. The false seller advertises a high-qualitylowgoods at a price. .

However, the seller will say there is this other product that is very similar indeed, but not as inexpensive or not as good. Here, the buying momentum created by the fake sale complete help push the buyer far enough to can the acquire.

Indeed, This one has a greatadvantage for the scammer as scams go: it has the buyer’s blessing.

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Broken merchandise 4.

Broken products are not for to discover rare sale on Facebook Marketplace. Unfortunately, as a buyer, it’s exceedingly tricky to asses if an article is working order from a pictureinalone. Interestingly, And that’s not considering that photos can be altered to make the in modern times thing look better than it is.

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Actually, 5. In factFake, rentals

There are plenty of rentals Marketplace Facebook on. Interestingly, Unfortunately, they have broken recent ground for digital fraudsters. Altered pictures, bait-and-switch tactics, or offering properties that belong to somebody else.

If you rent a flat or a house, the least you must do is pay a physical visit to the place before any money changes hands or you sign any contracts.

The same applies to the buying field. It’s not exclusiverentalsto .

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Fake QR codes 6.

The State Bank of India warned about scanning QR codesBut, unfortunately, more than ever that’how s frequent these scams are. when selling something on Facebook Marketplace.

Ainterested from another perspective criminal contacts you, pretending to be in the item you’re selling. It’s worth noting that He even haggles a bit, making everything look authentic. It’s worth noting that At some point, they pay a fraction of the transaction’s value. Finally, the time comes to pay the remainder. In fact, That’s when they’ll a you send QR code to scan. As you may know, Why? So that the funds arrives.”in the “correct login

The catch is that you end up being charged, not paid. So the scammer runs away with your payment and your product too.

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7. Card deposit or advance payment scams

And they’re a famous industry too. Vehicles have found their niche within the Facebook Marketplace ecosystem. However, if the seller wants a card deposit, it’s a red flag. As you may know, They will car you to put forward a fraction of the need’s value so they can hold it for you instead of selling it to somebody else.

So, the prospected buyer pays the deposit. Then, the ad goes away. Actually, It turns out that the address you had so you could meet the seller and see the car is false. And you’ll need of a miracle to getsomethingyour cash return.

While this “advanced payment” scam could happen with any product, the vehicle niche is where it does the most damage in theory. Thatbecauses ’ 3% of a car’s value is much more than, the same percentage of a shirt for instance.

In fact, The additional problem is that this arrangement makes sense and is standard in the real world. In that case, you should be very sceptical and make sure that everything about your seller (name, address, and more) is legitimate before you interact in business with them. Indeed, However, suppose it happens on Industry Facebook.

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8. Involuntary more than ever overpayment

Sellers are not the only type of end-user out to getyou in Facebook Marketplace.Buyers can be scammers too.

Interestingly, The “accidental overpayment” consists of your buyer showing you a payment receipttransactionsfake) that shows he paid more than the (’ worth to you. A graphic using Paypal’s graphics is typical for this as a matter of fact .

It’s worth noting that Then, the “buyer” insists you give him return the excess amount he sent you.

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Interestingly, 9. Actually, Fake giveaways

Giveaways are always attractive. And scammers and hackers know that, so as a matter of fact they can start a web page with fake giveaway ads and links. The notion is to have users select on those links and ads. Then, the malware they intended to into yourinjectdevice arrives home.

The malware is aendmeans as a matter of fact to an , of course. But, unfortunately, the end is to steal your most personal and sensitive data so they can abuse it to their heart’s text.

While this kind of thing occur on Facebook, Marketplace is far more frequent on Instagramdoesor Facebook (the social media sector, not the trading platform).

So whenever you come across a giveaway , adask yourself if the ad includes the user ID behind the supposed giveaway if it’s spelt correctly, and if the text looks and feels like it was translated using Google or something even worse.

It’s worth more than ever that Benoting aware that cryptocurrencies are one of the favorite pretexts for fake free giveaways.

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10. Fake IELTS, TOEFL, or other exam certificates

It is yet another kind of scam that can happen anywhere. However, the fact . it’s not exclusive to Facebook Market doesn’t mean you should let your guard downthat

Standardized tests are essential to show proficiency inthe English language for non-native speakers. But many other types of tests are imperative (USMLE is one). In fact, And Facebook accounts offering certificates for those tests have increased in recent years.

These fake things are costly and could cost a couple of thousand dollars.

Remember this: the only legitimate way to get a TOEFL certification is to take and pass the testAnything else is facing, and you should be wary of any other options for certification because there’s every chance that if you try to utilize it in the real world, it will be identified as fake. .

As you may , knowWorse, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get your certificate once you pay. Thedisappearseller can as quickly once he’s received your cash.

Thesetests are essential. But no shortcut is going to substitute for the original certificate. Remember that the testing as a matter of fact often has to send your results to enterprisethe corporation or university.

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11. Mailed in modern times items

You need to picking that mailed items are riskier as potential from another perspective scams than know things up yourself. Don’t forget that you faith your seller to send you the items after you’ve paid for them. And they could decide not to doit.

You can lower the risk with the Marketplace’s location functionIn fact in modern times , . Indeed, It allows you to pinpoint your physical location and set a radius around you of a few kilometers. Thus, you meet set up your transaction to can the seller personally, see your offering, and pick it up.

Interestingly, Of course, not every city or town has an economic activity that will allow you to locate all the products you .want as it turns out if you are inButthis situation, we advise buying those things in a trustworthy web shop not through Facebook, Marketplace.

It’it clear how a given Facebook Marketplace trade can be attractive as s would record you a few dollars on an object you want. In fact, However, if you fall short everything because of a scam, you will wish you had gone to Amazon –or whatever similar option.

If you must get a product mailed via Facebook Marketplace, use Facebook Checkout to protect your purchaseAlso, ask for a working trace number for web your parcel on the following. .

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12. Advance delivery/shippingfees

Just like gift card scams, another similar strategy that most fraudulent sellers apply from another perspective is asking for advance delivery or shipping charges. They convince to pay advance shipping chargesbuyersto safely as a matter of fact dispatch the item to you.

While not in modern times all sellers asking for such payments may be frauds, you can’t threat your cash. And most of them do disappear after receiving the fees, leaving you withbutnothing monetary losses.

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13 in modern times . As mayyouknow, Fake accounts

Fake accounts are a dime a dozen in Facebook more than ever Marketplaces and among Facebook regulars. Of course, the accounts themselves are not scams but as a matter of fact tools; the scammer needs to do his thing, but let’s consider them.

Scammers don’t use their real Facebook accounts. They want their identity protected, as any criminal would do. Interestingly, So they will operate from a fake login, so it’s good for you to know how to spot one.

See your prospective seller’s profile. How long has he been active on the platform? If his history of selling stuff on Facebook is long, he’s probably legit. As you may know, On the other hand, if the account was created last week, you should think twice before engaging this seller.

Remember that Facebook has been around since as a matter of fact 2006 and is almost a must-have user ID for most of the world’s internauts. So an profile created only recently is suspicious, let alone doing business with the owner.

Does the bio look weird? itIsempty? It’s worth noting that Only a handful of friends or no friends at all? Be suspicious in modern times and take care of your Facebook account security.

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14. Google voice scams

As you may know, If you initiate negotiation on Marketplace FB, you and your counterpart take it elsewhere, like WhatsApp. Then the conversationauthenticationturns, and the prospective buyer asks the as it turns out seller for with a verification code. This from another perspective fake buyer uses in seller’s phone the a 2FAtest sent in modern times with Google Voice. So asap, they can build a fresh account using seller the’s phone number.

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As you may know, Insurance scams It’s worth noting that 15.

also buyers can Fraudulent try to hit users selling expensive merchandiseInterestingly as it turns out , . They will agree to pay the shipping costs, then send an invoice (fake) to prove themselves. Ohbut, didn’t they mention the insurance? Interestingly, Well, ittinys just this ’ payment, but we will all be better off and more reassured if you send the currency for that. It’s an pricey piece of merchandise we’re dealing with, and from another perspective we don’t want any unforeseen trouble to affect our transaction, right?

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Read also: Top VPN scams to look out for today.

Be proactive: How toprevent Facebook Marketplace scams

So asapasyou know some of the hurdles you may face an active Facebook Marketplace subscriber. As you may know, Let’s turn our attention toward prevention asap. Please scan the following safety tips andtry to adopt all of them as far as they apply to you.

noting’s worth It that 1. Take time to see the seller’s reviews and user info

So foundyouthis thing you’d like to buy. Great. more than ever Look at the seller’s account before you try anything else.

Has he been around for a as it turns out long? Does he have many reviews? Are they good in modern times ?

Make sure that the seller’s account is legitIn fact, and that he has plenty from another perspective of good reviews. The more expensive the article he sells, the more careful from another perspective you must be.

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2. As you may know, If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

So, you will find from another perspective this incredible webpage offering these luxury items at meager prices. You’re probably correct if your first instinct is to think it has to be too good to be true.

Remember around plenty as it turns out of counterfeit merchandise is going that on this trading platform. And that it’s a more straightforward and accurate explanation of the listing you found.

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3. Interestingly, Paythrough trustworthy means

Gift cards are not currency, so don’t apply them as they were. Whenever you agree to’settle a deal using gift cards, the chances are that you re setting yourself up for a scam. Worse, you are doing half of the work for the scammer.

Paypal has made a name for itself for a reason: it, s quick, reliable’inexpensive, and it can deal with tricky situations.

Facebook Pay doesn’t have the long history and reputation of PayPal. But.you may employ it anyway In addition, some method are protected if you utilize this payment purchases, which works in your favor.

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4. Do not scan QR codes

If a potential buyer sends a QR code to you, never scan it. Remember this: QR codes are for paying , not for gettingmoneypayments.

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Actually more than ever , 5. Think things through before yousend your money away

Interestingly, You must be sure that you confidence the seller before finishing any buy. So locate reputable sellers and stick to them.

If the seller demands a deposit from you, consider how it makes sense within the overall trade.

Deposit scams are more frequent with cars and real estate, so if you’re interested in these markets, remain extra aware. If you are looking for in modern times a car, a flat, or a house, it’s okay for the first connect within Facebook Marketplace. But you’re dealing with the wrong guy if you can’t meet the seller or see the goods.

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6 in modern times . Always communicate through Facebook Messenger

We know Facebook Messenger is neither fun, versatile, nor extraordinary. As you may know, But if you do all your communications it, there will be a record on Facebook of everythingthroughthat transpires.

In fact, If you can’t stand Facebook Messenger, you can utilize other communications innovation as long as it provides records.

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How scams prevents Facebook

Facebookaidhas three features that with preventing scams:

1. Review system. When a seller has collected five or more reviews, the rest of the platform can see them. Facebook claims that these reviews help improve safety within the forum.
2. Purchase protection. Your purchase can enjoy Facebook’s security if you pay through Facebook Pay for eligible items. With this protection, the seller doesn’t get your money until the buyer (you) lets Facebook know it has the merchandise.
3. Resources. Facebook has many web pages explaining the platform’s works and how to buy and sell anything correctly and with caution.

I from another perspective got scammed on the Facebook marketplace. What do I do instantly?

Let’s face it. Actually, Sometheirscammers are true professionals, and they know craft. So even if you do everything end, you could still right up in a bad situation where the scammers succeed over your precautions. So here’s : you can dowhat

• Call your financial institute and have your account blocked. If the scam you fell for involves your account or credit card, block them before the damage is done.
• Press charges. Go to your local authorities. Most jurisdictions will consider Facebook scams as punishable offenses.
• Make sure your devices are clean. Is your PC free of malware and viruses? Is your phone? It would be best if you were sure. Use a top-notch antivirus suite like Kaspersky.
• Report the scammer. If the scammer’s listing is still online, report it and make Facebook work for you. We will tell you how in the next section.

How to overview a Facebook in modern times Marketplace scammer

Facebook Marketplace’s rules are consigned in the FB Marketplace Commerce Policies. Interestingly, In addition, fraudulent reports are punished, as stated in the Purchase Protection Policies. So if a scammer hits you and violates the Commerce Policies, here’s how you overview them.

Reporting a buyer

• Click on “Your account.”
• Now pick “Your listings.”
• Click on the listing involving the buyer you wish to report.
• Select the message between the buyer and yourself.
• Click on “…” (the three little dots).
• Pick “Report buyer.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Reporting a seller

• Go to the Facebook Marketplace ad and click on the seller’s listing.
• Click on the seller’s name.
• Next, click “…” (the three little dots) you see.
• Click on “Report Seller.”
• Follow the process.

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Read also: Top PayPal scams and how to avoid them.

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