Facebook Marketplace has more than one million stores and one billion active users around the world. It is a meeting point where people buy and sell various products, such as mobiles, furniture, consoles, computers and even hire domestic services . As the Marketplace has not stopped growing, scams have also increased since its launch.
You have to be very careful with the incredible discounts that you can find in Facebook Marketplace.
In most cases, it is enough to take into account certain details and review some data to realize that it is a lie. Here you will find what you should check so that you are not a victim of a scam, your money will be safe:
– Verify the seller’s profile: it is vital that you consult the seller’s information page, if you do not see a profile image, a banner or a list of what they have sold on Marketplace, it is most likely false and it is about a fraud.
– Very low price: when a product is extremely cheap, this is reason enough to doubt. Do not fall for these mind games that scammers apply, in addition, the cost could also be a simple label to attract attention.
– Pay on another platform: here you do not have to risk it, it is best that you use reliable payment platforms such as PayPal or Facebook Checkout. Those systems are the best because they protect the buyer and his money. In case the purchase does not come to fruition, you will get a refund if you do not receive what you bought.
– Use another platform for chats: if the seller is reliable, you will have to stick to the Facebook Marketplace chat room to arrange the sale. Also, if you refuse to meet in person, you most likely have nothing to offer and are dealing with a scam.
– Payments in advance: you will never have to send money to set aside the product. You have to avoid this type of seller to keep any risk or attempted theft at bay. Be very strict with this point and always use PayPal or Facebook Pay, do not proceed to make transfers without any type of support or protection.