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Facebook Marketplace Tips
There have been recent reports of scams within Facebook Marketplace. While it is a common place for consumers to buy and sell goods, members should be cautious when exchanging items with someone online. Knowing certain red flags can help members and consumers avoid these scams in the future.
Some Marketplace red flags include:
· An overpayment. If you receive an overpayment, decline the charge or check and ask the buyer to send you the correct amount.
· Moving the dialogue off Facebook to your phone. Often in these instances, the other party will ask for your phone number and say that they want to text you a code to “prove you are real.”
· The Zelle “Business Account” scam. This is a scam the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned consumers about in the past. If you are asked to upgrade your Zelle account or another digital wallet app to accept money from a buyer, it's likely a scam.
· Shipping mishaps. Always track the item to ensure it arrives at its destination. Some buyers will demand refunds claiming they never received their item. Keep the proof that your package arrived at its destination.
· Fake vacation homes or apartment listings. Google the address to make sure the location exists and if it looks representative of what is being shown online. Verify the validity of the rental by contacting the property listing manager directly.
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