Why I’ll Never Sell on Marketplace the Same Way Again
I learned just how common this has become firsthand. As someone who has used Facebook Marketplace sporadically over the years, I have never experienced any issues until recently. While moving out of my place, I was busy and overwhelmed, just trying to clear things out quickly, and that’s when the problems started. In a short span, I encountered four separate scam attempts, each using a different tactic to take advantage of the transaction process. The experience was eye-opening. It showed me not only how creative scammers have become but also how significantly the threat on Facebook Marketplace is growing. Sellers who once relied on the platform for quick, easy exchanges now need to be far more vigilant.
This experience has made me approach buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace with much more caution. Because I already stay informed about cybersecurity trends, I was able to recognize the red flags and stop each transaction before any real damage was done. I wasn’t affected financially, but I was shocked by how often these attempts occurred in such a short period of time.
What To Watch Out For
With that being said, after experiencing some of the scams myself I picked up on some of the methods used to trick users,
- Off-Platform Communication/Payment
Requests to move the conversation off Facebook, to text, email, or WhatsApp, are a major red flag. Scammers do this because Facebook cannot review messages outside its platform, so if you catch onto or fall victim to their schemes, you cannot report them.
Now, while it’s okay to make/receive payment on platforms such as Venmo, Cashapp or Zelle it is important to know it makes it easier for scammers to take your money in a way that is unrecoverable. Facebook has purchase protection if you choose to go through their official channels to complete a transaction. By keeping all communication and transactions within Facebook, you maintain access to these protections and reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam. Facebook’s Purchase Protection only applies to payments made through Facebook Checkout
Common Scam Scenerios
While their methods constantly evolve, most scams fall into a few common categories. Knowing these ahead of time can help you protect yourself and your transactions.
1. Overpayment Scams
A buyer “accidentally” sends more than the agreed price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment later bounces or turns out to be fake. Always confirm the original payment is real.
2. Payment Confirmation
Scammers may send screenshots claiming they need payment confirmation for the transaction to go through. They often ask for information like your email or phone number, which can trick you into entering login or payment details, giving the scammer access to your account or even causing you to send money to the “buyer.”
3. Phishing Links
Links claiming to be invoices or payment pages can steal your login credentials or install malware on your device.
4. Fake Accounts
Many scammers create fake accounts using trustworthy images, often posing as buyers or sellers to build a sense of credibility before attempting a payment scam. For example, a profile might feature a seemingly relatable person, like a mother with two kids, to make you more likely to trust them. Always examine the profile carefully: a red flag is when all the photos were uploaded recently and at the same time, or the account shows little other activity.
5. Fake Items
Some sellers create a false sense of urgency, insisting on immediate payment to “hold” the item, and then disappear without delivering the product.
- Trust your Gut
- Slow Down- Do not rush into a purchase
- Pay Only Through Facebook
- Don't Pay For An Item Before Recieving It
- Decline Overpayments
- Don't Share Sensitive Information
Lessons Learned: Avoiding Facebook Marketplace Scams
In the end, I was able to sell what I needed to sell and buy what I needed to buy without losing anything. But this is only because I knew the warning signs and stopped the scams before they went too far. Not everyone is so lucky. That’s why I’m sharing my experience: to raise awareness and help others avoid falling into the same traps. Facebook Marketplace can be a great tool, but it requires a cautious eye. If you understand the common scams, stay alert for red flags, and trust your instincts, you can still use it safely without becoming another victim.
Got any other questions? Contact CATS Technology Solutions Group today!
