7 ways to avoid Facebook Marketplace scams

They say prevention is worth an ounce of cure, and that’s certainly true of scams. It’s best to protect yourself before you fall victim to fraud - or you could lose the money for good.

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To protect our members, we’ve put together these practical steps you can follow to stay safe when shopping online! Whether you’re buying or selling, here are 7 ways you can avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace:

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1. Do your research

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Before you contact a buyer or seller, do what you can to verify who you’re dealing with first. You can check their profile, reviews, and post history for more information. Be on the lookout for red flags, including:

• Suspiciously low prices. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is!
• Missing details about the item. Does the item have a vague, generic description? Do the photos appear to be altered in some way? If so, the listing may not be for a legitimate item.
• A vague, generic profile. Does the seller seem like a real person? Or could their account have been created to sell fake products?

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2. Be cautious of external payment methods

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Never use external payment platforms that ask for your login credentials. Scammers use fake payment websites to steal your account information and access your bank account. Whenever possible, opt for in-person transactions or cash on delivery.

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3. Get a tracking number

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For shipped items, insist on a tracking number. This helps ensure the package’s delivery and authenticity.

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4. Meet the seller in person

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Whenever possible, meet the seller face-to-face. Choose a safe, public location for the meetup.

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By meeting at someone’s private residence or a secluded area, you could be putting yourself in danger. Always bring a friend or family member when meeting the seller. Safety first!

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5. Don’t pay before receiving the item

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Avoid paying for products before you can verify their condition. Be cautious if the seller insists on immediate payment or asks you to send a “hold” for the item - this is often a red flag.

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You should also inspect the item thoroughly before making any payments to ensure it’s functional and legitimate.

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6. Decline overpayments

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If the seller accidentally overpays you, don’t refund the excess amount. It could be an overpayment scam. Learn more about how to identify online scams.

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7. Avoid sharing sensitive information

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Never share personal or financial details outside of Facebook. Be skeptical of any requests for sensitive data, such as bank information.

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Still have questions? Reach out to us!

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When using Facebook Marketplace, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid scams and fraud. Taking the time to stop, think, and do your research could save you a lot of money!

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At Cambrian, we’re committed to protecting our members. If you have concerns about the security of your account, you can contact us via phone, email, or secure message. We’re here to help.