I got scammed on Facebook marketplace, what can I do?

What are common Facebook scams?

If you wish to buy or sell anything on Facebook Marketplace it is important to understand the most common Facebook Marketplace Scams.

Scams can occur on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s crucial to be aware of them to safeguard yourself as a buyer or seller. Scammers employ various tactics, so it’s important to recognize the signs and protect yourself when engaging in transactions on the Marketplace. Here’s a summary of common scams and how to identify them:

1. Phishing Scams:

• Phishing scams involve identity theft, where scammers trick you into providing personal information unknowingly.
• Be cautious of messages or emails requesting verification codes, account information, or passwords.
• Watch out for link manipulation, CEO fraud, and smishing (SMS-based phishing) attempts.

2. Buyer Scams:

• Buyer scams occur when someone attempts to obtain items without paying, resulting in a loss for the seller.
• Be wary of buyers who report transactions as fraud after receiving the items, falsely claim non-receipt of items, or refuse to pay for received items.

3. Seller Scams:

• Seller scams involve deceitful practices where the seller fails to deliver items as promised, resulting in a loss for the buyer.
• Exercise caution if sellers deliberately send items significantly different from what was advertised or falsely claim to have sent items.
• Be wary of sellers who ask for a deposit for high-value items without allowing you to verify their authenticity first.

4. Listing Scams:

• Listing scams involve dishonest or fake listings that may lure buyers into completing transactions outside of the Marketplace.
• Be cautious of suspiciously low-priced products, as they may be counterfeit or fraudulent.
• Avoid listings that encourage direct communication with the seller outside of Marketplace.

To protect yourself from scams on Facebook Marketplace:

• Use secure payment methods and avoid sharing sensitive information.
• Verify the authenticity of the seller or buyer by checking their profile and reviews.
• Communicate through the Marketplace messaging system to maintain a record of conversations.
• Trust your instincts and exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar or suspicious listings.
• Do not send anyone a security or verification code – they are likely trying to access your account.

By being aware of the different types of scams and staying vigilant, you can ensure a safer experience on Facebook Marketplace. Stay informed and protect yourself from potential fraud.

Help! I’ve been scammed, what should I do?

Report the scam to Facebook. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report a scam seller on Facebook Marketplace:

1. Go to your Facebook Feed and click on “Marketplace” in the left menu.
2. In the left menu of the Marketplace page, click on “Buying.”
3. Locate the listing of the seller you want to report as a scam and click on it.
4. Click on the name of the seller to access their profile.
5. On the seller’s profile, click on the three-dot menu icon (represented by “…”).
6. From the options that appear, select “Report seller.”
7. Choose the option “Scam” to indicate that the seller is involved in fraudulent activities.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions provided to complete and submit your report.

By following these steps, you can report a scam seller on Facebook Marketplace, helping to protect other users from falling victim to fraudulent practices.

Can I report it to the police?

If you have been the victim of a scam and you have evidence then it is worth speaking with your local police about whether they will let you make a report.

Can I get my money back?

You may be able to apply for a refund through the Payment Protection Policy. Note: not all locations are covered by the policy.

• Facebook offers Purchase Protection Policies to cover many purchases made through their checkout system.
• This protection is free and automatically applies to eligible orders.
• It allows you to request a refund under certain circumstances, including non-delivery of the order, receiving a damaged or misrepresented product, the seller not adhering to their refund policy, unauthorized purchases, or if the seller has been removed from Facebook.
• Facebook may review order details, such as tracking information, listing description, messages between you and the seller, and supporting documents when reviewing your claim.
• Goodwill refunds are at Facebook’s discretion. If your Purchase Protection claim is approved, you will receive a refund for the full purchase price of the product and any shipping costs.
• You can find more detailed information about the policy in the Purchase Protection Policy section.
• Purchase Payment Protection is not available in all locations.
• Some payment methods such as PayPal may cover your payment so you should get in touch with their fraud and security center.

More reading

Twitter: Marketplace Scams

The FTC