A warning has been issued to Facebook Marketplace users (Image: Getty)
The second-hand sales platform Facebook Marketplace attracts more than a billion buyers every month, offering a range of products from televisions to cars.
But in addition to real bargain hunters, there are also fraudsters who want to mislead people, reports say Wales Online.
A spokesperson for the social media giant advises: “Double check deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers may try to use underpriced items to lure buyers into scamming.
“Do not send deposits for high-value items (apartments, cars, etc.) without first confirming that they are genuine. If possible, try to confirm the existence and ownership of the items (e.g. a pink slip for a car) .) in person or via video chat before sending payments.
Facebook Marketplace is used billions of times. (Image: Getty)
“Always verify the tracking numbers you see on Marktplaats on the delivery company's website, and make sure the delivery address and delivery information are correct.
They further added, “Eligible purchases made through Facebook checkout are covered by Purchase Protection. Items exchanged in person using cash or other personal payment methods are not eligible.”
“If purchasing the items in person, please inspect the items carefully before completing the transaction to ensure that they are: genuine (e.g., verifying authenticity), in expected condition (e.g., new, used etc.) and working as expected.”
Disinformation expert Dan Ariely shared some of the most common scams to look out for on Facebook Marketplace:
Facebook Marketplace users have received a warning. (Image: Getty)
1. False profile
Always keep a close eye on the seller's profile, including the date they joined Facebook and the number of listings they have. Scammers often have a recent signup date and more than twenty entries in the list.
View the ratings and reviews they have received from other buyers on their profile. You can also check out their other offers and check out their activity on the Marketplace.
2. Payment and overpayment scams
In this common scam, fraudsters posing as buyers may claim they paid for an item when they did not. They may send a fake check, use an unreliable payment method, or even claim they overpaid and ask for a refund.
They may also try to use payment methods that can easily be canceled after you ship the item, causing you to incur losses. To protect yourself, Dan advises:
- Always check that you have actually received the money before offering a refund
- Please make sure your account is fully funded before posting
- Use payment methods that cannot be reversed after the sale
Marketplace users have been told to be wary of counterfeits. (Image: Getty)
3. Fake returns
In this scam, the buyer claims that he is dissatisfied with the item after purchase or does not want the item. They will then ask you to return it for a full refund.
The scammer may keep the original item and never return it, return a damaged or different item, or even provide false tracking information to claim they returned it. Either way, if you refund the item before you get it back in its original condition, you will be at a loss.
To avoid these types of scams, Dan recommends always waiting to refund the item until you have received the item back and verified its condition.
4. Real Estate Scams
Beware of rental ads that are too good to be true, with beautiful photos of properties. After signing a seemingly legitimate lease or sending money to “secure the deposit,” you may discover that the property is already occupied.
Scammers often post photos of homes they do not own and offer them for rent without viewing. Dan's tip: Never transfer deposits for expensive items, such as apartment rentals, without confirming their authenticity.
If possible, inspect the property in person before parting with any money.
Meta owns Facebook and Marketplace (Image: Getty)
5. The seller asks to be paid in gift cards
The rise of online scams has increased the number of gift card fraud. Scammers can request payment through gift cards instead of Facebook Marketplace or a payment app.
For example, if a scammer 'sells' an item for £100, he or she may instruct the buyer to load a Visa gift card with the amount. They then ask for the gift card number and PIN before the item is shipped.
Often the item is not as described, or it does not arrive at all because it was never real to begin with.
Dan warns against using gift cards for payments as they are untraceable and non-refundable, making them a preferred method for scammers.
6. Broken or unreliable technical items
So you've nabbed what seems like the deal of the century on a high-end smart TV, smartphone or games console for just £200, but it turns out to be a dud. The ad was used minimally, but if you met the seller in a public place and exchanged money, there was no way to turn it on and ensure its functionality.
Once you get home and discover the item isn't functioning, it can be impossible to track down the elusive seller on Facebook. Expert Dan advises to always test electronic goods before giving away money.
7. Bait-and-switch scams
In this scenario, a salesperson entices you with an incredible offer on a top product at an incredibly low price. It sounds too good to be true, because it probably is.
The seller never intends to part with the advertised item. Once they pique your interest, they inform you that it is no longer available, but they have a “similar” item that might interest you, usually at a higher price or significantly lower quality.
8. Immediate interest
Beware of 'buyers' who are quick to ask for your contact details to make an appointment. This is a classic trick to get your phone number.
Their real goal is to use your number to set up a Google Voice account, where they send a verification code to your mobile under the guise of confirming your identity.
The truth is, this code gives them access to the Google Voice account they just created in your name, allowing them to commit further scams or possibly hijack your identity. Dan's guidelines are clear: keep all communications within the boundaries of Facebook Marketplace.
Dan shared some quick tips on how to stay safe on Facebook Marketplace:
- Check the seller's profile: Before making any transactions, take a good look at the seller's profile, whether they have a decent profile with photos, a history of activities and connections.
- Communicate only via Facebook Messenger: Stay on Facebook Messenger for all your chats. Avoid sellers who try to switch to WhatsApp or email.
- Please inspect the item before purchasing: Before you hand over the money, look at the article carefully. Please make sure it matches the seller's description exactly. If you're buying something expensive, consider meeting somewhere where you can try it out properly before you buy.
- Avoid advanced payment requests: Never pay for something before you get it in your hands. Be wary of sellers who ask for a deposit, especially if they are abroad or cannot meet in person.
- Check for reviews and ratings: Some Facebook Marketplace sellers have reviews. While not guaranteed, good ones from other buyers can provide some reassurance. But be wary if there are no reviews, or if the reviews look a little strange.
- Meet in public places: Meet in a well-lit pub, such as a cafe or park. Avoid dodgy alleys and don't invite to your home or theirs. Bringing a friend for company is also a smart move.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. It's better to miss out on a bargain than to get stung. Your safety is more important than any deal.