Spotting Fake Buyers on Facebook Marketplace: A Comprehensive Guide

Anyone who has started selling on Facebook Marketplace in 2023 or 2024 has likely encountered fake buyers. These buyers are often scammers whose sole intention is to extort money from genuine sellers. Understanding how to spot these fake buyers is crucial for ensuring your safety and protecting your earnings.

1. Unverified or New Accounts

When interacting with potential buyers, one of the first things to check is the legitimacy of their account. New accounts or accounts with suspicious details should be approached with caution. For instance, if an account is very recent, it might be a new scammer. Additionally, if a buyer provides a fake name or empty details, it is a red flag. For example, I once had a seller named 'Skeevic Skee' contact me, and I immediately blocked them. While they might have a legitimate reason, it is not your problem. Blocking such accounts is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself.

2. Requests for Deposits or Prepayment

Another common tactic used by scammers is asking for a deposit or to prepay for the item. This is often a bare attempt to extract money from the seller. If a buyer requests a deposit that is only half of the item's price, it is a strong indication of a scam. Photos taken from a computer screen are also a sign of a fake buyer. These scammers often attempt to hide their true intentions by presenting images that appear real but are in fact photoshopped or taken from a computer screen.

3. Requesting Prepayment via Digital Payment

While asking for payment via a digital payment method is not necessarily a scam in itself, it can be a red flag if the buyer requests payment before viewing the item. This is because some scammers will attempt to claim the funds and then demand the item back, or they may send a fake payment from a public domain email like @gmail. The moment you see a request for prepayment before seeing the item, leave the chat immediately. Reporting the user might help in limiting the spread of scams, although it may not guarantee their removal.

4. Courier Scams

One of the most pesky and complex scams involves a courier pick-up. Scammers will often claim that a courier will come to pick up the item and pay upon collection. They might ask for an 'upgrade' fee or other charges to facilitate the transaction. This is designed to get you to pay something upfront, only for the scammers to make off with the money. Be very wary of any requests to pay for courier services or upgrades. Remember, the burden of payment should always be on the buyer.

Conclusion: Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace

While there is no 100% guaranteed way to spot every scammer on Facebook Marketplace, the steps mentioned above can help you stay safe and avoid falling victim to their tricks. Always prioritize your safety and do not take any action before thoroughly investigating the legitimacy of the buyer. Remember that this marketplace is free, and it is people's sole purpose to extort money from users. Never send anything until you have verified the buyer's legitimacy.

Key Takeaways

Suspicious names or details in the account. Requests for deposits or prepayment. Requesting prepayment via digital payment without viewing the item. Courier scams involving payment for pick-up services.

By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce the risk of being scammed on Facebook Marketplace and ensure a safer, more fulfilling selling experience.