Mt. Carmel Police recently took a report of a local resident falling victim to a Facebook Marketplace Scam when trying to purchase an item. Here are a few tips in how to avoid falling victim:
1. Paying or communicating outside of Facebook
One of the first signs of a scam is when the seller or buyer asks you to pay or communicate outside of Facebook. This could be through a wire transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or another app. Scammers do this to avoid Facebook's Purchase Protection policies and to make it harder for you to get your money back if something goes wrong. They might also try to convince you to call or chat outside of Facebook, where they can't be monitored by Facebook.
To avoid this scam, always use Facebook Checkout to pay for items on Facebook Marketplace. This way, you can benefit from Facebook's Purchase Protection policies and dispute resolution process. Also, keep all your communication on Facebook Messenger, where you can report any suspicious or abusive messages.
2. Mailing items
Another common scam is when the seller asks you to pay for an item before they mail it to you. They might send you fake shipping information or screenshots to make you think they have sent the item, but in reality, they have taken your money and run. Alternatively, they might send you a different or damaged item than what you paid for.
To avoid this scam, always inspect and pick up items in person whenever possible. This way, you can verify the condition and functionality of the item before paying. If you have to receive an item by mail, use a tracking number and only pay after you have received and inspected the item.
3. Refunding an overpayment
This scam involves the buyer sending you an overpayment, usually in the form of a check, and asking you to refund the difference. They might claim that they made a mistake or that they need the money for some urgent reason. However, the check will bounce after a few days, leaving you without the item and the money.
To avoid this scam, never accept overpayments or refund any money to buyers. Only accept the exact amount agreed upon for the item. If someone sends you an overpayment, return it to them and cancel the transaction.
4. Counterfeit items
Some scammers sell fake or counterfeit items on Facebook Marketplace, such as designer clothing, electronics, or jewelry. They might use stolen photos or descriptions from legitimate sellers or websites to make their items look authentic. However, once you receive the item, you will realize that it is a cheap knock-off or not working at all.
To avoid this scam, be wary of items that are priced too low or too good to be true. Always check the seller's profile and reviews to see if they have a history of selling counterfeit items. If possible, ask for more photos or videos of the item to verify its authenticity.
5. Verification code (this one is the most important to avoid)
This scam involves the buyer asking you to send them a verification code that they claim is needed to prove that your listing is not a scam. However, the code is actually a multi-factor authentication code that they use to hack into your account and change your password. They might also use your personal information from your profile to compromise your other accounts.
To avoid this scam, never share any verification codes with anyone on Facebook Marketplace. These codes are meant for your security and should only be entered on official websites or apps. If someone asks you for a verification code, report them to Facebook and block them.
