Facebook Marketplace can be an excellent resource for seniors looking to purchase furniture, household goods, collectibles, or vehicles from the comfort of their own home. However, like anywhere else online, scammers hope to take your money. Luckily, with just a little bit of know-how, you can keep yourself safe.
Why Seniors Make Good Targets?
First of all, why do scammers target seniors in the first place? Many online scams are tailored to prey on those who think scammers aren’t always as tech-savvy as younger generations. With many scams, you either need to pay fast, feel confused, or simply trust the other person. The scammer might tell you there are five other people ready to buy your furniture if you don’t act now or pressure you into making a decision before you realize what’s happening.
Understanding these tactics can go a long way toward keeping yourself protected.
Avoid These Facebook Marketplace Scams
1. Fake Payment Verifications
You sell an item to someone who quickly messages you that they’ve already sent payment. They may even include a screenshot of their payment or a fake email verification.
Reality: You won’t see any money in your account.
Stay safe: No matter how much you trust a buyer or seller, double-check that you have received the payment in your bank account or PayPal app before you hand over that shelf.
2. Overpayment Tricks
Con artists will “accidentally” send you too much money and ask you to refund the difference. The original payment method will always turn out to be fraudulent.
Stay safe: Wait to send back money until the original payment has been verified as legitimate and cleared into your account.
3. Ask to Take the Conversation “Off Marketplace”
Scammers love to take potential buyers and sellers off Marketplace and into text messages, email, or third-party applications.
Stay safe: While there will be times when taking the conversation off Marketplace is unavoidable, always try to keep the conversation on Facebook. At least this way, there will be a record of who you’re talking to.
4. If It Seems Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
“I have a gently-used PS5” for $100. If you’re seeing exceptionally low prices on hot-ticket items like gaming consoles, pets, and tickets, that’s likely a scam.
Stay safe: If you’re too excited to research a sale, slow down and do your due diligence.
Tips for Safe Facebook Marketplace Transactions
1. Meet in Public When Possible
Try to only make exchanges or meet potential buyers in public places with lots of people around. Make exchanges during daylight hours and consider meeting in front of your local police station if they have a safe exchange zone.
2. Check the Item Before You Pay
Don’t exchange money until you’ve checked the item thoroughly. Test electronics. Make sure that pricey jewelry or appliances match the descriptions in the post.
3. Don’t Share Personal Info
This should go without saying, but never provide your bank account info, passwords, social security number, or verification codes sent to your phone.
4. Don’t Feel Obligated To Complete a Sale
If someone is pushing you to make a decision quickly, seems sketchy, or you just don’t feel comfortable with a conversation, end it. If the person is legitimate, they will understand your caution.
The Golden Rule
The safest Facebook Marketplace shoppers are not always the most tech-savvy—they’re the ones who take their time. By spending an extra couple minutes to ensure a payment has gone through, researching who you’re selling to, or questioning a strange request, you can avoid being scammed out of hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.
Facebook Marketplace doesn’t have to be a dangerous place. If you’re a senior using online marketplaces to lighten your load and save money, staying aware and following a few of these simple tips can keep Marketplace in your rotation.