Best Facebook Marketplace Frauds to Stay Away from (2024)

When they wish to sell anything, a lot of individuals use Facebook Marketplace throughout the globe. It turns out that scammers often con others out of their hard-earned money via Marketplace. Prepare yourself as we discuss several Facebook Marketplace scams and how to recognize them, whether you're looking for anything or have posted a few items for sale on the network.

1. Scams using gift cards

Without a doubt, these payment frauds are the most prevalent on Facebook Marketplace and are also often the simplest to avoid. Anonymous payment connections, paying the seller with gift cards, and, if you're selling anything, overpayment frauds are common themes in payment scams.

In any scenario, as the buyer, you should always visit the vendor in person, carefully check the goods, and only then make the payment. In spite of the seller's apparent sincerity, never complete deals in advance.

How to recognize this fraud: It's probably a fraud if the buyer or seller even slightly mentions a gift card, bitcoin, or any other untraceable money during the exchange.

2. Representative and Fake Payment Scams

Fake Payment Representative Scams — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Regarding sellers, the other party may contact you on the pretense of representing a certain business and attempt to get access to your account by requesting your login information.

Watch out for con artists and phony payment confirmations. They overcharge, and when you return the excess payment, they want a complete chargeback.

How to recognize this fraud: No representative of the firm will get in touch with you directly to ask for a favor on YOUR behalf. Should someone do so, it's probably a con. Refunding the overpayment should not be done right away.

3. False Claims

Well, so maybe not a "Cookie," but it can still be risky to click on links on your computer or phone that come from unaffiliated parties. The websites have the ability to steal your information and, if you're using a phone, may ask you to install text-forwarding and malware-injecting programs.Phishing schemes are more likely to target the elderly. It's difficult to pass up a fantastic price, which is one of the tricksters exploit. When they offer an item at a price that seems too good to pass up, you should be wary right away.How to recognize this fraud: If a buyer or seller gives you a dubious link on Facebook Marketplace, you should immediately cancel the transaction since this kind of fraud may lead to a phishing website.

4. Scams involving Wealth Distribution

Wealth distribution Scams Facebook Marketplace — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The "Hello, I'm xxx, a Prince from xxx country with lots of wealth to distribute" con is one that we have all heard of. First things first: never click on a link. If you do click on a link and see a message from the sender or on the website saying anything like, "Hey, you won a lottery!" simply go on. Unfortunately, these scams target and occasionally succeed in taking advantage of the naive individuals who make up the majority of us, particularly our elderly.How to recognize this fraud: It's a fraud if someone contacts you claiming to be very wealthy and asking for a share of their riches.

5. Scams With Instant Interest

People utilize marketplaces to sell things they no longer need fast, and con artists may profit from your frustration. Instead of giving the customer your contact information right away, examine their profile to determine whether they seem trustworthy and if they have any unfavorable reviews.How to recognize this fraud: It's probably a scam if the other person is eager and requests for your phone number and location in the first few texts of the discussion.

6. Conceal and Offer Scams

Meeting seller in person — Picture: Shutterstock

Meeting merchants in person and delaying payment until the goods is in your hands are simple ways to avoid falling victim to product frauds. In the marketplace, a lot of individuals often "order" something, believing they would get exactly what they ordered, but what they really get is usually very different. In the event that you purchased the newest iPhone, you can get a first-copy device that resembles an iPhone or a fake phone.These are the kinds of scams where, until you get the thing, you are unaware that you have been duped. Or when the vendor deceives you by telling exaggerated tales about delivery and money. In rare circumstances, you could be sold defective or stolen goods.How to recognize this fraud: Make an effort to speak with the vendor face-to-face. To determine whether a merchant is legitimate, go through their reviews.

7. Transport Frauds

Shipping Scams Facebook Marketplace — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Another popular scam involves the shipper pretending to "ship" a goods when, in fact, it has never been dispatched and is a fake. The year is 21st century. It's easy to make phony payment confirmations and delivery labels. Again, this may be prevented by having a face-to-face encounter with the seller or delaying payment until the waybill number indicates that the item has been dispatched on the shipping company's official website.How to recognize this fraud: The only way to identify it is to examine seller feedback and decide against closing the sale. Deal with dealers in person at all times.

8. Pay Later Con artists

Make sure you get the whole cash for the merchandise at the moment of purchase if you are selling anything. Refuse if the buyer offers to pay the remaining money after they have given a portion of it. You may bid the remaining funds farewell if you agree. This is true for both in-person meetings and internet sales.How to recognize this fraud: Refuse to consent to the customer making the remaining payment at a later time. It's concerning enough that you could not get your money back.

9. Theft Products on the Facebook Marketplace

On the Marketplace, there may be vendors that attempt to sell you stolen goods. These kinds of sales are frequent and often rather obvious. This might occur, for example, when the seller is eager to get rid of the item and cannot provide a legitimate proof of purchase. Dealing with these vendors may possibly result in legal issues.How to recognize this fraud: Verify if the stated item's price is much cheaper than the going rate. Verify if the profile offers a large number of things at drastically reduced costs.

10. Product Scams with Flaws

Faulty Product Scam Facebook Marketplace — Shutterstock provided the image.

Such con artists often target those who sell gadgets. Technology is technology, and if it's not taken off, it may eventually break. Many individuals sell devices, however they may be hiding certain features that aren't functioning properly. As a result, it's critical to carefully check the goods before purchasing. In addition, we advise you to have a product expert accompany you to make sure everything is functioning properly.Ways to recognize this con: Check see the product in person and get a close look at it. Examine and test-drive the product as soon as possible, and only purchase it if it meets your needs.

11. Fraudulent Rentals

Phasing individuals with fictitious real estate listings is a regular occurrence. Using screenshots from a Google search, the con artist will offer a fictitious property and, should you be interested, request a security deposit. If you wish to inspect the property that has to be provided via wire transfer, scammers could also charge you a fee. In a similar vein, homes without a lease should be avoided since the individual listing them is just interested in taking your money.Ways to recognize this con: Examine each picture in detail. Use Google Lens or Google Image search to find them on the internet. Never pay anything in advance.Have you come across anybody on Facebook Marketplace who has attempted to con you? How did you respond to it? Tell us in the comments section below.