Facebook Marketplace is a digital bazaar within the social media giant’s platform for buying and selling goods. However, with its convenience comes the risk of getting cheated, leaving buyers and sellers feeling frustrated and vulnerable. By learning about the potential scams you could encounter while surfing the site and the strategies to avoid or handle these situations, you can avoid these 30 pitfalls and feel a sense of relief and security in your online transactions. 

Unrealistically Low Prices

Con artists lure victims with irresistibly low prices on high-demand items, like designer goods or electronics, at a fraction of their retail value. If a deal seems significantly below market value, proceed with caution. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. Trust your instincts, and don’t let excitement cloud your judgment.

Online Deception

You’ve found the perfect couch, but after confirmation, the seller presents an entirely different item. What can you do in such circumstances? We suggest you confirm all item details before payment. Ask for updated pictures and descriptions if the seller mentions a change. Insist on inspecting the product in person and decline if it’s different from what was advertised.

Fake Item

That designer bag looks legit in the photos, but the item is as fake as a three-dollar bill. Counterfeit goods flood the Marketplace, tempting bargain hunters. Learn to spot red flags: slight misspellings in brand names or sellers with multiple “designer” items. When in doubt, ask for close-up photos of labels and authenticity cards.

Specific Shipping Request

A seller offers to ship that must-have item but insists on using their “special” courier service. Generally, these are websites created specifically to swindle your payment info. We recommend you choose Facebook’s integrated shipping or well-known carriers. If a seller pushes an unfamiliar shipping method, run faster than that package, they claim to be sending. 

The Pressure Ploy

Using this tactic, the person creates a sense of urgency to rush the buyer into making a quick decision. They claim the item is in high demand or that other buyers are interested, pressuring you to act immediately. Such ploys aim to prevent you from doing proper research or thinking things through.

Sob Story Swindler

The Sob Story Swindler scam involves sellers sharing heart-wrenching stories to elicit sympathy and compel you to purchase. They may claim financial hardship, medical emergencies, or family crises, using these emotional appeals to bypass your judgment. However, maintain a critical mindset and verify their claims by asking questions or requesting documentation. 

Identity Theft Setup

If the seller asks for unnecessary personal information like your Social Security number or banking details, claiming it’s needed to verify your identity, that’s a red flag. Legitimate transactions never require this level of personal data. If someone asks for more than basic contact details, they’re fishing for trouble. So, better guard your sensitive information.

Unreal Rental List

When you see rental listings at low prices, tread carefully. Tricksters use this ploy to collect deposits from multiple people. The listings posted on the Marketplace are stolen from real estate sites, and once renters pay, the trickster disappears. Only send money or sign a lease after viewing the property in person.

Insisting Payments Via Gift Cards

One common scam tactic is insisting on using gift cards as the only form of payment with the claim that it’s a safe and secure method. Once you provide the card details, the individual disappears, leaving you unable to recover your money. Prevent such incidents by refusing gift card payments for transactions on such platforms. 

Triangulation Trickery

Imagine scoring a brand-new item at an incredible price, only to find it arrives in packaging from a different retailer. Such a situation would arise when the seller probably used stolen credit cards to buy the item and keep your cash. Before purchasing anything, consider why the seller offers a popular item at suspiciously low prices. 

Unwarranted Background Check

Sometimes, the person will say they must run a background check on you before proceeding. They’ll direct you to a website that asks for sensitive information. Don’t fall for it; it is just a sneaky way to thieve your data. If someone asks for a background check, check yourself out of that conversation.

No Contact After Payment

Once you’ve sent the money, there will be radio silence. The seller will disappear, and all attempts to contact them will go unanswered. So, if someone ghosts you immediately after payment, it’s a sure sign you’ve been tricked. Be wary of new accounts or those with limited history. For high-value items, consider meeting in person or using an escrow service.

Sending Suspicious Links

Using the phishing link sham, people send trustworthy links, often claiming they provide extra photos or details about an item for sale. Clicking these links can direct you to misleading websites that steal your personal information. Before acting upon it, always check the URL, avoid suspicious links, and never share your login credentials.

Extra Shipping Fee

Here, the seller insists on using an unfamiliar shipping service. When you track your package, surprise fees appear that declare it to be from the customs to release your shipment. Stick to well-known, reputable shipping companies. When possible, opt for local pickup in a safe, public location. Don’t let fake fees take away your real money.

Review Manipulation Scheme

To identify review manipulation, look for patterns such as multiple reviews posted in a short time frame or reviews that use similar language. People create fake reviews or pay for positive ones to enhance their credibility. They may use misleading accounts to post glowing feedback about their products or services, and this gives a false impression of reliability. 

Broken After Purchase

After purchasing an item, you discover it needs to be fixed or differs from what is promised. With this method, dishonest sellers intentionally market defective products using misleading online photos and vague descriptions to hide the flaws. Later,  they avow the item was fine when sold and refuse to take responsibility or offer a refund. Before purchasing, arrange to meet the seller in person. 

Overpayment Hustle

Of course, it would be great if the buyer was willing to pay more than the asking price, but sometimes, this could be a trap. They’ll accidentally overpay and then ask you to refund the difference. Later, their original payment bounces, leaving you out of pocket. Never accept overpayments or refund “extra” money. If a buyer insists, it’s time to find a new buyer. 

Phony Prize Schemes

Interestingly, a swindler will impersonate a seller to lure you into sharing personal or financial details. These con artists may entice you with offers that take you off the genuine website and urge you to install malware or purchase gift cards instead of making direct payments. Always verify the legitimacy of giveaways, and be careful of unsolicited offers.

Trapping Using QR Codes

The QR code trick aims to trick you into scanning a sham code that directs you to a phishing site, potentially mimicking online banking or installing harmful software on your device. When you receive an unsolicited QR code, promptly delete it, report the sender to Facebook, and block them to protect your information. 

Fake Receipt Ruse

The product price has been agreed upon, and the buyer shows you a screenshot proving they’ve paid. But that receipt is as authentic as a unicorn. Always verify payments in your account before handing over any items. For in-person deals, it is better to take direct money. For online transactions, use an integrated payment system. 

Seeking a Refund From the Bank

In this scam, you will successfully ship a product, and the payment clears, but your wallet account suddenly shows negative balances. Remember, this is a trick where the buyer falsely claims they didn’t receive the item or that it wasn’t as described, which leads to unexpected fees. Therefore, it’s necessary to document everything and report the issue immediately.

Return and Missing Package Claim

Returns claims occur when a buyer falsely asserts that an item was either not received or arrived damaged with the hope of securing a refund or replacement. These individuals will only send the product back or return something that needs to be fixed or completely different. Clearly outline your return policy in your listings, and document the item’s condition before shipping. 

Payment Processing Delays

Such incidents happen when buyers claim payment delays and pressure sellers to ship the item beforehand. As banking apps can sometimes be unreliable, sellers may find it easy to trust the buyer and hand over the item, expecting the money to arrive soon. Utilize secure and reliable payment methods to reduce the chances of falling victim to such issues.

No Questions Asked 

It’s concerning when buyers suddenly show intense interest in an expensive item you just listed. These quick interest rackets often involve buyers who skip asking relevant questions or negotiating and push to communicate via email rather than through the platform. Engage in detailed communication, ask questions, and ensure the buyer is committed before moving forward. 

Sketchy Profile

Watch out for buyers or sellers whose profiles seem incomplete—few or no friends, limited photos, and minimal activity can be risky. On the flip side, a well-established profile with a decent friend list and interactions show they’re using a real account, which adds accountability. Check their location if they’re far away or based in an unexpected area.

Avoiding In-Person Meetings

Are alarm bells ringing? They should be if your marketplace match is dodging a face-to-face engagement. It’s the oldest trick in their playbook—staying hidden to avoid getting caught red-handed. Don’t let them hide behind a screen! Insist on a real-world meetup; if they refuse or push back, take it as your cue to leave. 

Take Action Against Suspicious Listing

Did you spot a suspicious listing? Immediately go to the item’s page and hit the report button. You’ll then select a reason provided on the website. This simple step alerts the platform to potential hoaxes, triggering an investigation that could protect other users from falling victim to the same issue.

Create an Alert About the User

Don’t let a dodger slip through the cracks! If you’ve identified a scheming user, report their profile. Click on their name, head to their profile, and find the report option. Choose the appropriate reason provided in the checklist. By doing this, you help the social media platform take necessary action, creating a safer marketplace for everyone involved.

Contact Law Enforcement Authorities

If you feel you’ve been tricked, contact local law enforcement. Gather all the details—messages, payment confirmations, and the individual’s profile info—and present them to the authorities. Reporting these incidents is essential; it not only helps you but also aids in the broader effort to stop them and protect the community.

Post Reviews and Ratings 

Your experience can serve as a warning to others. After encountering a ripoff, consider leaving feedback on the person’s profile. Share your knowledge, and focus on the suspicious behavior you noticed. This proactive step informs potential buyers and sellers about the risks and fosters a community that looks out for one another.