Almost a quarter of Britons using Facebook Marketplace report seeing scams on the website, research shows.
Facebook Marketplace, as the name suggests, is a sales platform that lets users of the social media network buy and sell items.
But personal finance experts Thinkmoney said almost a quarter (one in six) have been scammed while using Facebook Marketplace.
The most common frauds involved being approached by a fake profile and paying for items that never arrived.
Fraudsters use several techniques to part Facebook Marketplace users from their money, including fake profiles, dodgy links that steal bank details and more.
But Thinkmoney has come up with a list of tips for how Brits can keep safe when using Facebook Marketplace.
Have you been the victim of fraud on Facebook Marketplace? Let us know in the comments below
1) Always check when the Facebook profile was created
Before you sell, or even buy anything, on Facebook Marketplace, take a look at the person’s profile.
Many sellers find buyers have accepted items but disappeared without paying. The same goes for those who have bought items but never received them.
So, check the date the account was created. Treat new accounts with caution.
2) Never pay in advance for an item
You should try to never pay in advance for an item before you receive it.
Instead, always try to exchange the money and the item at the same time (if buying locally). It is safer to do this in public, and with a friend or family member with you.
If someone is sending the item, make sure you get proof of postage and a tracking number.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t guarantee that the item will arrive as described, so try to get photo evidence of the item being sent. You will always have to err on the side of caution when buying second-hand items.
3) Always use reputable payment methods
Don't get short-changed when buying or selling items on Marketplace.
Payment systems like PayPal can be secure for buyers as they will investigate any claims on your behalf. Plus, they also provide security for sellers.
But that’s if you pay through the right method.
Avoid paying through the ‘friends and family' method if dealing with a stranger, as this comes with no protection. Use the ‘goods and services’ option instead.
Never agree to any payment methods that you don’t want to use. It’s your money, so ensure you are comfortable and protect your funds.
4) Insist on tracking for items sent by mail
If you do need to receive an item by post, insist on a method of shipping that allows you to track the postage. That way, you can make sure they have sent you the item in the post.
5) Only communicate using Facebook
If the seller insists on speaking outside of Facebook, be wary. And never give away your personal number to a stranger. Doing so might result in you sending payments through methods that leave you unable to claim your money back.
6) If the listing price changes, be cautious
If you’re looking to buy an item but then the price becomes higher once you are interested, walk away.
At least question why the price has risen.
Many sellers use this tactic to lure you in and then try to get more money.
7) Block and report any seller harassing you for money
If you have shown interest in something on Facebook Marketplace and communicated with the seller, but they are now harassing you for money, block and report them.
You can report a seller by clicking on the item you were interested in and then clicking on their name. Once on their profile, click the three dots on the page and choose ‘Report’.
You should then block them so they are no longer able to contact you.
Jonny Sabinsky, head of communications at Thinkmoney, said: “It comes as no surprise that more people than ever are being scammed through social media platforms, specifically Facebook.
"When it comes to spotting a scammer, here are a few red flags to look out for: a fake profile, a seller harassing you for payment or a seller requesting a ‘friends and family’ payment. It’s important that you are always aware of who you are speaking to and their intentions when it comes to you and your money.”
Facebook has been approached for comment.
