Stay Safe While Buying and Selling on Social Media Platforms
Social Media Marketplace Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Fraudulent Deals
Social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, and other online buying-and-selling platforms have made it easier than ever to find great deals on everything from furniture to electronics. However, these platforms are also full of scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers and sellers.
Whether you're looking for a bargain or trying to sell an item, it’s important to know the warning signs of social media marketplace scams. Here’s how to recognize them and keep your money and personal information safe.
Things to Look Out For
Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If an item is priced way below market value, it’s likely a scam.
Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers may claim they sent a payment but provide fake screenshots as proof.
Sellers Asking for Payments Outside the Platform: If someone insists on using a third-party app like CashApp, Venmo, or cryptocurrency instead of secure marketplace payment methods, be wary.
Buyers Overpaying and Requesting a Refund: Some scammers send an overpayment and ask you to refund the difference—only for their original payment to be fake or reversed.
Fake Item Listings: Some fraudsters post stolen images or use stock photos to advertise products they don’t actually have.
Suspicious Profiles: Be cautious of accounts that are newly created, have no profile picture, or lack a history of marketplace activity.
Rushed or Urgent Requests: Scammers often push buyers or sellers to act quickly before they have time to verify details.
Subject: Payment Received – Please Ship Your Item
Dear Seller,
You have received a payment of £500.00 for your listed item on Facebook Marketplace. Please ship the item within 24 hours to avoid cancellation.
Once the tracking number is provided, your funds will be released.
Thank you,
Facebook Marketplace Payments Team
Subject: Extra Payment Sent – Refund Needed
Hello,
I accidentally sent you $1,200 instead of $600 for the gaming console. Can you send me back the extra $600 via PayPal?
Sorry for the mistake—please send it soon!
Subject: Huge Discount on Brand New iPhones – Act Fast!
Hi,
We are offering brand-new iPhone 15s for just £399! Only a few left—first come, first served!
Send your payment via Zelle or CashApp to secure your order.
Email Examples
(These emails often contain official-looking logos and formatting, but the sender's email address or links will be suspicious.)
Hey, I love your listing! I’ll pay full price now via PayPal. Send me your email so I can transfer the money!
Red Flag: Scammers often use fake PayPal emails to trick sellers into shipping items without actually receiving payment.
[Facebook Marketplace]: Payment of $850 received. Please ship the item to confirm transaction.
Red Flag: Facebook does not send payment confirmation texts—only use official in-app payment methods.
I need this item ASAP! I’ll send extra money if you can ship it today. What’s your PayPal info?
Red Flag: Scammers try to rush sellers into skipping verification steps.
Text Message Examples
Caller: “Hi, I’m from Facebook Marketplace support. There was an issue with your recent payment, and we need to verify your account. Please provide your login details so we can resolve it.”
Caller: “I’m currently deployed overseas, but I want to buy your item. I’ll send a courier to pick it up once you receive my PayPal payment.”
Caller: “I accidentally sent too much money for the item. Can you send the difference back through a money transfer?”
Phone Examples
Verify Communications Directly
If you receive a suspicious message, contact the provider directly using the official contact details on their website. Avoid using links or phone numbers provided in the message.
Report Suspicious Messages
Forward scam emails to the provider. Reporting scams helps authorities take action against fraudsters.
Check Your Online Account
Log in to your account by typing the website address in directly to avoid phoney links. If you have an account warning it will, in most cases, be available from your account.
Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about common scams, and share information with friends and family to help them avoid falling victim. Remember the SCAM method, Stop, Check, Ask and Monitor!
How to Stay Safe from Social Media Marketplace Scams
Use Secure Payment Methods: Only pay and receive payments through trusted marketplace systems (e.g., Facebook Pay, PayPal Goods & Services).
Meet in Person When Possible: If selling locally, meet in a safe, public place and accept cash or secure digital payments.
Verify Buyer & Seller Profiles: Check for profile activity, reviews, and red flags like newly created accounts.
Avoid Giving Personal Information: Do not share your phone number, email, or address unless necessary for delivery.
Be Cautious of “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Deals: Unrealistically low prices are often bait for scams.
Never Click Suspicious Links: Scammers send fake login pages to steal your credentials—always go directly to the official website.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t proceed with the transaction.
By staying alert and following these tips, you can safely buy and sell on social media marketplaces without falling for scams.
The Role of BeScamAware
The BeScamAware website is a valuable resource for learning about the latest scam tactics. Visit our site for tips, examples, and guidance to keep yourself safe. Stay alert, stay safe and remember the SCAM Method.
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