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Users often use the Facebook Marketplace to sell products, get rid of stuff and purchase everything from antiques to vehicles. Sadly, the online marketplace has also become an attractive ground for scammers.
Facebook is not immune to scammers, we see daily reports of people being scammed on the platform. Here’s a list of suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim when using Facebook Marketplace.
One of the online shoppers’ most common mistakes is sending funds to a third party. If a seller pressures, you to send money or make a deposit by direct bank transfer you really need to be sure the request is genuine.
It’s common for buyers to be asked to send money for an item or an accommodation only later to realize that the product was never dispatched, or the rental space does not exist. When shopping online, it is a good idea to use Sell Securely.com the world’s only safe payment platform developed specifically for Facebook Marketplace transactions.
You may feel tempted to use the friends and family option if you check out with PayPal, as this type of transaction often has lower fees. However, if you are buying from someone other than you’re a real friend or a family member, you can get scammed.
Often sellers insist on receiving the money to avoid paying the fees but then disappear after a buyer transfers the sum. These types of payments are not protected. Instead of saving, you end up losing more in the long run.
Scammers can commit fraud if you provide them with your phone number.
A simple Google search often reveals your phone name and physical address. Finding out the phone would complete the list of almost everything necessary for a bad actor to start pretending it is you and commit fraud.
If a buyer or a seller ever asks you for a verification code, you are likely being scammed as the cybercriminal is probably setting up a Google voice number and wants you to approve the request.
If someone sends you more money than you are supposed to receive, just decline the payment and ask the buyer to submit a new correct one.
If you fail to reject and decide to issue a refund to the buyer instead, the scammer will still get money out of the transaction even if the fraudster was using a stolen credit card. Making sure that the price is as agreed and receiving the correct payment is crucial.
We know this is sometimes hard to achieve but try to avoid meeting with the opposite party. Meeting in person brings many new things that can go wrong, so a physical meeting must be your last resort. If you meet in person, do not share your home address. Instead, pick a well-known public place and arrange to meet there. Well-lit public spaces are often under surveillance, and a scammer would likely not strike if people were around. Make sure to inspect the item well before leaving.
Facebook Marketplace is similar to real-life marketplaces, eBay, and Craig’s List. Be cautious when doing transactions you don’t do very often.
However, even if getting scammed does not cost you anything, the time you would lose making the claims and communicating with the scammer would be a waste.
Remember If during a transaction you think sometimes is fishy, it probably is, so never hesitate to back out of a deal if you’re not fully satisfied along the way.
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The management and staff of Securely Holdings recognises the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi), the First Peoples of the land on which we work and reside and their ongoing connection to culture and country. We acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Lore Keepers of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
