Facebook Marketplace scams: how can you spot them and avoid them?

The master of social networking, Facebook, also developed its classified ads portal 4 years ago, in 2017, in France. This platform, designed like any other Marketplace, enables transactions of goods and services between individuals, and here, more specifically, between Facebook users. But Facebook Marketplace isn't immune to scammers either. Scams on the platform can take many forms, including fake products, fraudulent sellers, fraudulent payments, and much more. The platform is riddled with scams of all kinds, so here are a few tips to help you recognise and avoid them.

1. Research the buyer/seller

Before considering buying or selling to someone on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to always check their profile. Usually, if there's no photo of the person or it's a photo of something else like a car, that should be a red flag. Also check whether the profile is a real account and whether the person has a sufficient number of friends on their page (if they only have 10 friends that might look suspicious).

In addition, it may be a good idea to read the reviews about the user on their profile. These reviews come from other sellers, who rate the buyer positively or negatively. You can see them on the buyer's profile. As a general rule, if a buyer who has sent you a message has poor ratings or no rating at all, combined with other factors (such as their date of registration on Facebook and the legitimacy of their profile), these people should be avoided.

An example of a fake profile on Facebook

2. Be careful about the information you give out

When you're talking to someone on Facebook Marketplace, whether they're a buyer or a seller, be careful about the information you give out. Despite all the research you've done on the person you're talking to (see point 1), they're still a complete stranger. You should also be aware that it is easy to create a fake Facebook profile or to hack into one.

For example, never give out personal information, such as your address or identity documents, or banking information, such as your bank details or your bank account number. This information can be misappropriated by people with malicious intent. You could then risk identity theft or fraudulent use of your bank account on the Internet.

3. Avoid offers that are too tempting

Don't be fooled by a designer handbag or a rare games console. Facebook Marketplace is full of counterfeit or stolen items with price tags strangely below the market rate. Always bear in mind that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. In the context of the online peer-to-peer marketplace, 'too good to be true' can mean :

• Goods priced well below the going rate for comparable products in similar condition
• Unlikely valuations, such as a seller offering to double the quantity ordered free of charge
• Voluntary offers with major drawbacks, such as a seller offering to personally deliver a car to the other side of the country

An ad on Facebook Marketplace

4. Beware of people who displace the conversation

One of the most important tips for avoiding scams on Facebook Marketplace is to be wary of anyone who asks to be directed to a platform in order to continue communication. If you find yourself in this situation, insist on ending the conversation where you started it, on Facebook.

The advantage of using Facebook's classifieds platform is that you can use Messenger, Facebook's instant messaging service, to communicate with your seller/buyer. Those who suggest that you move to another, generally less secure, platform, such as an email inbox or an unreliable website, very often have ideas in the back of their minds. Be aware that some scams involve sending you to fraudulent sites or getting you to click on dubious links sent by email.

An example of an alarming message

5. Choose your meeting place carefully

For a transaction requiring an appointment for handover, it is essential to create the ideal conditions for your transaction to go smoothly. To do this, avoid meeting in your own home, especially if you will continue to live there. If you're buying, don't go into a stranger's house alone. Instead, look for a public place such as a café or shop nearby where there will be other people.

If a place has security cameras outside, that's even better. If there's a police station nearby, that would be ideal. Although this may not be practical for large pieces of furniture, use common sense. Bring other people with you in this case. It's a good idea to have someone else on hand to spot anything unusual and help out. Ask a family member or friend to see if they can come with you.

6. Ask for more photos and evidence

If you are looking to buy an item with blurred images or incomplete information, ask the seller for additional images. A legitimate seller who wants to get rid of the item will be able to provide you with any further information you need. Although some people are not Internet savvy and may simply not have optimised their advert, they should still be able to send additional information and images if requested.

What's more, don't just ask for a photo of the item. Go one step further and ask for a photo of receipts, tickets, etc. to gain confidence in the seller. For example, if you want to buy a pair of LEVI'S jeans, a photo of the label should be included in the advert. This will enable you to see whether the item in question is genuine.

7. Watch out for spelling and syntax errors

Pay particular attention to the way your caller expresses himself. If you notice a lot of spelling or syntax errors, it's probably a scammer operating from abroad. Quite often, despite their dubious spelling, these people insist on using strong language, which creates a huge contrast.

8. Take your time

One of the ways fraudsters use to carry out a transaction is to create a sense of urgency. For example, they may rush you by saying they have somewhere else to be. Don't be in a hurry when you're counting your money or inspecting your item:

• If you are a buyer, check the item with the images exactly as it was listed or as it was sent to you. Don't feel guilty about taking your time as a legitimate seller shouldn't be bothered by this extra interaction or precaution.
• If you're a seller, this includes counting the money and taking out a pen. There's nothing personal against the buyer, you're just taking your precautions, without being offensive. Talk to the person, ask questions and look at them face to face. Take note of their mannerisms, expressions and body language.

Choose a secure and appropriate payment method

Be careful about the payment method you choose. You should be aware that even online payment systems such as Paypal are taken by storm by scammers. We've already published an article on how to protect yourself from Paypal scams on classified ad sites. Of course, you should also avoid paying by bank transfer or cheque, as these payment methods allow scammers to make off with their victims' money without leaving a trace.

Whether you decide to pay online or in cash when you hand over your property, choose a secure payment method that is suitable for both buyers and sellers, such as Obvy. Obvy was designed primarily to prevent scams between private individuals. So when you pay for a transaction with Obvy, thanks to its system of blocking funds, the money is only credited to the seller when you, the buyer, certify that the goods received are in order. If this is not the case, you are immediately reimbursed and the seller gets his property back. Don't wait any longer, create your Obvy account in less than 2 minutes by clicking here. With Obvy, good deals are guaranteed!