Facebook Marketplace scams

What’s the threat?

Police have warned about a rise in scammers using Facebook Marketplace ( www.facebook. com/marketplace, pictured right) to steal money from both buyers and sellers.

In one scam, fraudsters hack someone’s Marketplace account in order to sell a non-existent item. Once the item is ‘sold’, they direct the buyer to a fake website and ask for their payment details.

More common though is when scammers pose as buyers, and offer to send cash by a delivery driver, who will also collect the item. The scammer asks you to pay insurance for the item, promising to refund it when it arrives safely. They send you a link to a fake insurance site which can steal your personal information.

Another ploy is to impersonate wellknown courier companies by sending a fake invoice to the seller. They also send emails claiming to be from the buyer’s bank that state money won’t be released until the seller sends proof of purchase.

How can you stay safe?

It’s no surprise that scammers are targeting Marketplace. Facebook said earlier this year that the surge in online shopping during the lockdowns increased the number of Marketplace users worldwide to one billion. That’s a lot of potential victims.

The key to avoiding scams, whether buying or selling, is to be suspicious of any unusual requests. In particular, stick to the official payment methods: Facebook Checkout, Paypal or cash. And when using Paypal don’t select the ‘friends and family’ option because you won’t be able to get a refund.

Never send items before you have received the verified payment, and check that the money is cleared in your account and that it’s not still ‘awaiting confirmation’.

Finally, be wary of anyone who overpays and then requests an immediate refund. Wait until the money is in your account first, and then talk to the buyer about the mistaken payment.