Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling everything from furniture to electronics. While it's a great way to find deals or offload items you no longer need, it’s also a hot spot for scammers. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, taking a few precautions can help ensure you don’t fall victim to fraud. Here are five essential tips to avoid being scammed on Facebook Marketplace.
1. Investigate the Facebook Profile
Before engaging with a buyer or seller, take a closer look at their Facebook profile. Scammers often use fake accounts that share common warning signs:
- Limited information on their profile.
- Strange or irrelevant posts that seem out of place.
- Minimal engagement, such as very few likes or comments.
- A small number of friends or a friends list full of suspicious-looking accounts, often located overseas.
If a profile raises any doubts, it’s best to move on. A genuine buyer or seller will typically have a more complete and active Facebook presence.
2. Use Google to Verify Their Name and Location
A quick online search can provide valuable insight into whether someone is legitimate. Try searching their name along with their location. If the person is genuine, you may find a LinkedIn profile, business website, or other trustworthy sources that confirm their identity.
If you can’t find any relevant results—or if the results seem suspicious—it’s a good reason to think twice about continuing the transaction.
3. Verify Addresses Provided by Buyers or Sellers
If you’re a seller and the buyer provides an address for shipping, always verify it. Use tools like Google Maps to check the location. Red flags include:
- Addresses linked to mail forwarding facilities or P.O. boxes.
- Vacant lots or properties with no apparent connection to the buyer.
- Locations that don’t align with the buyer’s claims.
For an extra layer of verification, you can look up the property ownership through the local county assessor’s website. This can confirm whether the person has a legitimate connection to the address they provided.
4. Test Their Willingness to Meet in Public
Suggesting an in-person meeting is a great way to gauge someone’s honesty. Even if you don’t plan to meet, proposing this can reveal a lot about their intentions. Scammers often come up with excuses for why they can’t meet, such as sudden travel or emergencies.
If the buyer or seller agrees to meet, they’re more likely to be legitimate. If meeting in person isn’t practical, suggest a video call to inspect the item or finalize details. Honest participants will usually accommodate these requests.
5. Use Escrow Services for High-Value Transactions
For expensive items, using a service like Escrow.com can provide a secure way to complete the transaction. Escrow services work as a middleman, holding the funds until both parties confirm the transaction has been completed satisfactorily.
Here’s how it works:
- The buyer deposits the payment into the escrow account.
- The seller ships the item or delivers the service.
- Once both parties confirm the transaction is complete, the funds are released.
While there may be a small fee for using the service, splitting the cost ensures peace of mind for both parties.