Facebook Marketplace has its perks. It’s one of the most successful peer-to-peer platforms for buying and selling goods, but it still carries some of the risks associated with using other services.
For example, if you buy an item through Facebook Marketplace, you’re not protected by the legal rights of a cash purchase. Both parties are still on notice that they could be sued if there’s a dispute. You’re also on notice that Facebook isn’t liable for damages resulting from your purchase. To avoid falling victim to scams on Facebook Marketplace, you need to understand that Facebook does not regulate the marketplace. The Marketplace is a great place to find great deals, but it’s also a great way to get ripped off. To avoid getting scammed, do the following:
Avoid prices that are too low
Smartphones and video game consoles face intense competition and often sell out quickly. So if a seller is selling an item at a price that’s too good to be true, it’s likely that the item is either damaged or stolen.
Check sellers
It’s easy to spot a potential seller scam on marketplace: just click on the seller’s name and you’ll see a list of their past sales. If you see a pattern: if they’re buying and selling the exact same item, at some point they’ll have had more than one sale of that item. Beware of sellers who post the same product in one region and then list it in another. If it’s listed in both places for the same price, it’s likely counterfeit merchandise.
No communication
Buyer beware: If someone is trying to sell you something and isn’t responding to your messages, it’s a sign that there’s some sort of problem. If the seller is directing you to another website or to request an approval code there, it can be a sign that they’re trying to scam you.
