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- By Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police
We continue to receive numerous complaints from community members who have fallen victim to Facebook Marketplace scams.
While the platform offers a convenient way to trade goods, fraudsters are exploiting unsuspecting users, resulting in financial loss and frustration.
There are a few different ways fraudsters may try to scam you via Facebook Marketplace, whether you’re the buyer or seller.
Here are some of the most common to be aware of.
Seller scams: This involves the buyer paying for an item such as a device, but either receiving nothing or receiving an item significantly different from what was advertised.
The seller will then block the buyer, making it impossible for them to contact them again.
Buyer scams: On these occasions the scammer poses as a buyer interested in an item and insists on arranging delivery themselves.
They will send the seller a link to a fake website that mimics a legitimate delivery company asking the seller to pay a small ‘insurance fee’.
The fake website is designed to obtain the seller’s banking details.
Fake payment confirmations: Some buyers may send fake emails that look like they’re from a bank or other payment service, confirming they’ve paid for the item you’re selling, when no transfer has been made.
Always double-check your account to confirm the money has been sent before handing over goods.
Counterfeit currency: For in-person transactions, some buyers might pay with all or some counterfeit currency.
Always check that all cash is legitimate before finalising a transaction.
Rental scams: A scammer will upload a listing for a rental property that isn’t available or doesn’t exist.
The scammer may provide a link to a legitimate-looking but entirely fake site, which may even be a replica of a real site.
You’ll be asked to enter your payment details for a bond or rent.
The scammer will then disappear after taking your payment.
For rental accommodation on Facebook Marketplace, insist on seeing the accommodation in person and verifying the rental contract before money changes hands.
Stolen goods: Many sellers attempt to sell stolen items on Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re suspicious about the authenticity of something you’re buying, ask the seller for proof it belongs to them, such as a receipt.
If nothing else, always remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
