Have you ever been a victim of a marketplace scam? If yes, then you may know about Facebook Marketplace. An individual can be scammed through this popular platform very easily. What! Are you shocked? There is nothing to be shocked about because a marketplace is always a marketplace and filled with scammers.
If you are willing to learn about some common Facebook Marketplace Scams and how to avoid them, I am here. There is no way to avoid something without having information about it. Therefore, I will start by defining Facebook Marketplace Scams.
Facebook Marketplace Scams – A Definition
Facebook Marketplace Scams refer to merchants’ illegal activities in dealing with customers. For instance, you shop for something from the Facebook marketplace, and the merchant asks for something inappropriate. Or, you get the thing but in a small size, such as you ordered a chair, and they deliver a small chair and charge you for a big chair.
Now that chair is nothing to you because you can’t sit on it and won’t give anyone to sit on. This is a type of scam that you may face. Merchants charge you more than the price and deliver you with like nothing.
Common Facebook Marketplace Scams & How to Avoid
If you are interested in knowing some of the common Facebook Marketplace Scams to avoid them, then keep reading. I have compiled a comprehensive guide on this topic in this section.
Fake Giveaways
Have you ever received messages like you have won a specific device or a certain amount of money? If yes, then remember not to fall for them because these types of messages are from scammers to get your credentials.
You need to avoid these messages to prevent yourself from falling into a new problem. If they got your credentials then they may be able to access your smartphone and install malware into it.
Bait-and-Switch Items
Bait-and-Switch items is a type of Facebook Marketplace Scams that replaces the product in the delivery or non-reachable packages. Scammers will make you fall in by showcasing low pricing for a specific price and when you order, they may have gone.
Therefore, you need to investigate a bit before ordering something from Facebook Marketplace to prevent you from scams. Actual things won’t have low prices and if scammers tell you that then visit the official site of the product if that an offer or not. If not then you should buy anything from them.
Asking to Be Paid in Gift Cards
Sometimes, scammers ask for payment in gift cards which is mainly done through credit cards. As you know, credit cards are easier to track. Once you send the payment and in the next moment the scammer will disappear without any clue left. You can’t trace their debit cards or credit cards so yes you fell.
The easiest and most efficient way to keep yourself safe from these types of scams is not to fall into their strategies. Further, never send gift cards instead of making them payment for their products.
Lost Package Claims by Buyer
Sellers are not always scammers; sometimes, buyers also make scams. When buyers claim that they didn’t even receive their parcels and ask for refunds, they are usually making a scam. Mostly, they collect things and try not to make payments for those things.
Therefore, sellers also need to confront them by packing a tracker in the box. When you pack a tracking device then you may be able to track the product if it is on the road or received. This approach mitigates the chances of being scammed.
Final Verdict
Facebook Marketplace has become a significant platform for shopping all over the world. However, this platform provides individuals with manifold benefits, but it also poses many cons like scams. Facebook Marketplace Scams have become a concern for individuals who mostly shop from this platform. If you want to avoid these types of scams then you need proper knowledge about these scams to prevent them in time. In the above section, I have compiled a complete guide on these scams and how to prevent yourself from them.
FAQs
Q1- How do I protect myself from Facebook Marketplace Scams?
You can protect yourself from Facebook Marketplace scams by adopting some practical strategies, such as not sharing your credentials to non trusted merchants.
Q2- Do I configure if a seller is scamming me?
Yes, you have the capability to configure that a seller is scamming you by adopting some efficient methods. For instance, if he asks for additional information and doesn’t provide you with specific product images and more.
Q3- Is it possible to verify a buyer?
Of course, you can verify a buyer by checking his email ID and other credentials he provided on the platform.
Q4- Can a buyer be a scammer?
The answer to this question is yes. A buyer can be a scammer like any other seller who scams others in order to make more money.
Q5- Can a scammer track me?
Yes, a scammer or a malicious actor have the capability to track you by using some malicious software and tools. They can even track you by using your smartphone’s built-in location feature.
