Stay Safe on Online Marketplaces

July 25, 2024

Sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and more are great for finding a quick deal on an item you need or selling an item that you don’t. Unfortunately, it comes with plenty of people looking to scam you out of an item or your money. Knowing what to look out for will make these scams less effective and allow for a more stress-free experience. So, here are some of the most popular scams on online marketplaces as well as some tips for how to identify them and stay protected. 

Seller is giving away an expensive item for free 

This is a very popular scam meant to catch your attention. Sometimes people are moving, for example, and need to get rid of something quickly. Often, these listings are bait and will lead to the seller asking for sensitive information or a payment that does not match the original listing. 

How to spot: Seller will ask for you to click a link, give personal information, or ask for an outside payment for costs such as shipping. Avoid these listings and remember that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. 

Seller or buyer wants to complete the transaction on an outside app

An easy way to tell if you are being scammed is if the other person asks to do the transaction through Venmo, Cash App or Zelle^®. This removes the protections provided by transacting within Facebook, eBay or other marketplace apps. 

How to avoid the scam: Only transact within the marketplace application. 

Fake rental property listings 

When looking to rent an apartment or home on Facebook Marketplace, be careful of filling out applications that ask for personal information or sending money as a deposit. The property might not be for rent or exist at all! 

How to avoid the scam: Do your own research on the property. Call the property manager separate from Marketplace and inquire that way. 

Counterfeit or faulty items scams 

No matter what you are looking to buy, you want to make sure you receive what was advertised. Many scammers will post fake or misleading images of designer clothing or accessories or electronics that may not even work properly. 

How to avoid: Before you buy, ask the seller for plenty of detailed images of the item, and if it's electronic, ask for proof that it turns on and works correctly. 

These are only some of the scams you can run into on these sites, so use some of these other general tips to be confident in using online marketplaces. 

• Look at the seller/buyer’s account reviews and history to see if they are trustworthy and active on the site 
• Never accept outside payment (Zelle®, Venmo, Cash App), as those sales will not be protected by the marketplace 
• When meeting buyers or sellers in-person for a sale, do it in a safe public area 
• If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is 
• Report listings that you believe are scams 

Stay safe and happy shopping! 

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