Spring has Sprung Scams: Facebook Marketplace
With Spring in the air, a lot of people have started their Spring Cleaning, selling unused, unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace has become a hotspot for scammers. Here are some things to look out for:
Prices that are too good to be true
One red flag to watch out for is if a seller is offering an item at a price that seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure in buyers with significantly low prices to attract attention. In the end, the buyer never receives the item. Another warning sign is if the seller insists on using unconventional payment methods or requests personal information such as your bank details or social security number. Never share your personal information and report any suspicious behavior.
Rental Scams
A scam that has become increasingly popular is rental scams. These scams show fake listings for a number of different items. Such as, boats, bikes, equipment, properties, etc. In this scenario, the scammer will ask for payment upfront or a deposit to secure their rental. The victim then ends up with no rental and lost money. Protect yourself by first seeing the rental in person and paying after, use reputable rental platforms instead of Facebook, be cautious of below-market pricing, and avoid wire transfers.
Return Scams
In this scam the buyer states that they want to return the item that they purchased, they will ask for a refund. The scammer will then either not return the item or return a similar item that is broken or something totally different than the original item. The fraudster will send fake tracking information to show “proof” that they are returning the item. To avoid this scam, sellers should wait for the returned item and check that it is in good condition before issuing any sort of refund.
Two-Factor Authentication Codes
Never share a two-factor authentication code! If someone asks for this code, there’s a high chance that you are speaking to a scammer. These codes are ONLY meant for you. Phishers will ask you to send them this code to verify that you are who you say you are. In reality, they are really going to use this code to log in to one of your accounts. You are at risk of being hacked if you share a two-factor authentication code.
Trust your Instincts
To stay safe while using Facebook Marketplace, it’s recommended to meet sellers in person, in a public place, and inspect the item before making any payment. Share your meeting location/plan with a friend or family member and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Additionally, trust your instincts – if something feels off or suspicious, it’s better to walk away from the deal. By staying informed and alert, you can enjoy the benefits of Facebook Marketplace without falling prey to scams.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/facebook-marketplace.html
https://www.comparitech.com/identity-theft-protection/top-facebook-marketplace-scams/
